Mexico’s Retail Sector Eyes $3.7 Billion Investment Push for 2026

The Antad retail group confirmed Tuesday that the bulk of the 2026 budget will prioritize the opening of new locations across the country. Beyond physical footprint expansion, the association’s members—which include major supermarkets and specialty chains—plan to direct funds toward remodeling existing assets, logistical upgrades, and advanced technology integration to keep pace with shifting consumer habits.

Driving Growth Through Digital and Physical Expansion

Last year’s performance laid the groundwork for this expansion. Same-store sales across the association’s network grew by 3.1%, with department stores leading the sector at a 4.8% increase. Total revenue for the period climbed 5.6% to reach 1.68 trillion Mexican pesos, signaling a robust recovery in consumer demand. Digital commerce remains the fastest-growing segment, with online sales jumping 23.8% to hit approximately $5 billion in 2024.

Looking ahead, the association maintains an optimistic forecast for the coming year based on several key metrics:

• Same-store sales are projected to grow by 3.9% in nominal terms.
• Total sales are estimated to rise by 6.3% as new store openings take effect.
• The investment strategy will prioritize logistics and training to support higher transaction volumes.