São Paulo – After a year of positive numbers, the sector of shopping malls is expecting to register a growth also in 2017, with an increase of 5% in sales. “This shows an overview of the importance and efficiency of management of the ventures, which allows us to grow even in adverse times,” said Glauco Humai, president of the Brazilian Association of Shopping Centers (Abrasce). Abrasce released this Tuesday (31) the 2016 results and the sector’s estimates for this year.
In 2016, the sector generated BRL 157.9 billion (USD 50.12 billion) in the more than 500 ventures in Brazil, resulting in a 4.3% growth. The Abrasce Census showed that in 2016 20 new ventures were opened, totaling 558 shopping malls in operation in Brazil, an increase of 3.7% over the previous year. “Even facing an adverse scenario, we were able to open 20 new shopping malls in across all regions of the country,” said Humai.
For 2017, another 30 new ventures are expected, with 13 cities set to open their first shopping mall. This year the sector should invest BRL 166 billion (USD 52.70 billion) among new ventures, expansions and upgrades.
The number of jobs in shopping malls also went up. In 2016, 26,302 new jobs were created, 2.7% more than the previous year. For this year, the forecast is optimistic for those looking for a job. The goal is for the sector to hire 52,000 people.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
