Research indicates that 87% of Macapá store owners expect an increase in sales at the end of the year

A survey by the Instituto Fecomércio Amapá (Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of the State of Amapá) reveals that 87% of Macapá traders expect an increase in sales at the end of 2026. The survey interviewed 100 businesspeople in the retail sector. Another 7% project stability and only 6% foresee a reduction in revenue.

The performance reflects the sector's confidence in the economic growth of the last quarter, a period driven by festive dates, greater circulation of money and increased family consumption.

Investments and new jobs

To take advantage of the period, 70% of stores have already made or intend to make new investments. The main actions planned by traders are:

Improvement in the facade and appearance of stores: 62%

Advertising and publicity: 53%

Stock reinforcement: 46%

Team training: 46%

In the job market, 49% of respondents intend to hire new temporary employees for the holiday season, while 50% are expected to maintain their current team. Only 1% plan cuts. Among the store owners who are going to hire, 78% plan to hire one to five employees.

The administrative director of Instituto Fecomércio AP, Frank Elson, highlighted the positive impact of these hires on the local economy.

"It is a period in which there is a large volume of hiring due to the increase in movement in stores. The most important thing is that many of these temporary workers stand out and end up being hired over the following year", stated Frank Elson.

Black Friday and Christmas

Black Friday is considered strategic by 70% of merchants. In total, 80% expect to earn more on this date compared to last year, with 44% expecting an increase of between 5% and 20%, and 36% estimating growth of more than 20%.

The main strategies for attracting customers during the promotion are:

Direct discounts on selected products (90%);

Early promotions, such as "Esquenta Black Friday" (54%);

Burning of stock and sales (35%).

Christmas remains the main sales date of the year for 75% of retailers. According to the survey, 91% of companies are already prepared for Christmas demand and 47% intend to reinforce online sales, through social networks or delivery.

"The last quarter is the most important for commerce. We have dates that combine so that the expectation is positive and generates a great impact on the commercial center of Amapá. All segments interviewed are motivated and preparing their teams for this final stretch", reinforced the director of Instituto Fecomércio.

Sales channels and challenges

All companies surveyed operate in physical stores, but 74% use social networks such as Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok to attract and sell to customers. Furthermore, 32% have their own e-commerce website.

Despite positive expectations, the sector points to obstacles for the final stretch of the year:

Cost of goods: cited by 51% of entrepreneurs;

Tax burden: 49%;

Lack of qualified labor: 36%;

Family debt: 29%.

To ensure good results, Instituto Fecomércio advises store owners to offer real discounts with prior planning, integrate physical and digital service, maintain strict stock control and invest in staff training.