Sales of pharmacies affiliated with Abrafarma 9.05% grow January-September

The 26 pharmacies networks affiliated with Brazilian Association of Pharmacies and Drugstores (Abrafarma) reached $32.92 billion in accumulated R of the first nine months of the year, an increase of 9.05% on the same period in 2016. The data was compiled by the Fundação Instituto de Administração da Universidade de São Paulo (FIA-USP).
In a statement, the Abrafarma points out that the thread remains above average growth rates estimated for the Brazilian retail sector – whose high is designed in 1.4% by the São Paulo commercial association. Despite representing 9.2% of total 76000 pharmacies in the country, associated to the networks concentrated more than 41% of revenues in the industry.
The drug trade totaled R $22.5 billion year to date through September, an increase of 9.61% compared to the first nine months of last year. Only the generic segment moved R $3.92 billion, with a high of 7.54% over the same period to 2016. In all, were sold more than 238 million generic units. Already the sale of non-medicinal products (hygiene items, cosmetics, perfumery and convenience) accounted for R $10.42 billion – an increase of 7.21%.
According to the Association, the focus on opening new stores and investment in logistics and distribution is mainly responsible for the expansion of large-scale retail. Within a year, the number of stores increased by 7.63%, from 6,581 for 7,083 units. Already the number of hires rose 2.8%, from 117,137 to 120,454 employees and collaborators.