Even window dressers have lost out in malls

The instability that the country has been experiencing in recent weeks has caused shopping centers to have losses between $7 and $8 million in lost sales.

Erick Zamora, President Panama Association of Shopping Centers (Apacecom)reported a 40% drop in sales last weekend, which was long, but worsened in the first days of the protests when it reached nearly 80%.

Despite the fact that people had no way to get to shopping centers, due to street closures, Other problems also arose, such as purchases that were not what was expected.

“There is a parallel reality, which is the economic capacity of people, which is reduced, because many depend on the day. Another fact is that the micro-entrepreneurs who feed us are also greatly affected,” said Zamora.

This was pointed out by the entrepreneur who manages the Megamall shopping center, which is located in the 24th of December district November was a lackluster month even when it came to warehouse decorations for patriotic reasons.

People who know these jobs are hired for these decorations. and, owing to protest, their services had to be rejected.

On the other hand, it had to be have unforeseen costs such as strengthening warehouse security with the purpose of not being subject to vandalism.

As for goods, Zamora reported that the impact was not greatbecause many products were already in the country, when the situation on the streets worsened, although it was felt more in the interior of the country.

At this point he reported that The situation in Santiago Mall is more worryingwith a drop in sales of as much as 70% and logistical problems in supply to the extent that it is supplied only from domestic suppliers.

The Inland shopping centers are also suffering from the decline in tourismtraditional visitors who stopped coming and shopping because of the protests.

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, Apacecom warned that 15,000 temporary jobs were at risk until the end of the yearbecause of the situation in the country.

Specifically in this regard, Zamora clarified that in mid-November, reinforcements of the operational staff will begin, in the store, in the logistics section, in the warehouses, and these are the places that will, for sure, They won’t be dealing with the losses they’ve had in recent weeks.

And that’s it Current costs are maintained in companies, such as payroll, payment of public services and others.

“They are in danger of getting lost, because we don’t know how long this will last.but it’s a close number because the businessman will adapt to the maximum in order not to incur additional costs,” admits Zamora.