Between 2015 and 2016, a total of 15 shopping centers will start operating in Peru thanks to the economic recovery, as well as the investment conducted and expected in the sector, the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL) affirmed on Monday.
The Institute of Economics and Business Development (IEDEP) at CCL estimated that the trade sector, considered the second most dynamic activity after construction, will increase by 3.7% during the current year and by 4.1% in 2016.
This is expected once 10 shopping centers will have joined the market in 2016. Six of them will be located in Lima and the other four in the provinces, IEDEP Executive Director Cesar Peñaranda noted.
"By next year, six shopping centers would open in Lima and four in the provinces, whereas five shopping centers would be inaugurated in 2015," he mentioned.
Positive expectation
"We expect the trade sector, and specifically retail to develop favorably in 2016, despite economic deceleration given the boost that could be injected through investment conducted and expected in the sector, and a slight improvement in the economy estimated for 2016," Peñaranda expressed.
The economic performance led to a change in the strategy. Malls evolved from the expansion to the consolidation phase by empowering the already-existing ones through remodeling and expansion works, he said.
This year so far
Two shopping centers have already been inaugurated during the current year, he noted.
"For the remainder of the year, other 3 projects are expected," economist specified.
Meanwhile, Wong corporation will inaugurate Mall del Sur in October in Lima. It is expected to repeat the success of Plaza Norte mall. Thus, US$200 million has been invested.
Peruvian shopping centers
By August 2015, 84 malls were operating at the national level. 47 of them were located in the Lima Metropolitan Area and 37 in other cities of the country.
Piura and Arequipa regions host each five of them, followed by La Libertad and Ica; each with four.
Greater investment in Lima
Lima remains the region, where the greatest investments have been made: US$1.784 billion. It accounts for nearly 60% of the total.
At the regional level, Piura, Arequipa, Huanuco, Lima, Cusco and Ucayali have welcomed investments worth over US$100 million.
(END) JJN/JJN/MVB