Supermarkets seek alternatives to prevent prices increase

Against the backdrop of economic downturn in the country, the largest supermarket in the world preaches to the industry that this is the right time to invest more in business. The premise part of a logic raised by São Paulo supermarket Association (Apas) during the 31th Edition of his Congress and trade show — closed last week in the Capital-precisely to lower operating costs and prevent the increase of taxes, such as electric power, for example, be passed on to consumers in the coming months.
According to the Regional Apas Bauru, the account of some supermarkets in the city came to increase up to 110% in recent months. The information was passed during an exclusive interview on the Board of Apas granted to JC report team, who was in coverage of the event in the Capital.
Among the measures listed by the entity to postpone an increase in the final price is the buying and greater use of power generators, exchange of usual lighting by LED lamps, cutting machines, scales and more efficient and economical refrigerators, in addition to investments in systems and consulting for reducing losses.
' It's not luxury '
On average, the electricity would have raised up to 40% of supermarkets accounts throughout the Interior, according to Apas. But in Bauru, the increase would have been greater, according to Emerson Svizzero, Director of the regional Apas Bauru.
"Of r $ 10 thousand, there are people paying $ 21,000 of electric energy in a store only. It is impossible not to pass this value if not betting on lower costs. With the generator and LED lamps, for example, it is possible to download 15% to 20% of the Bill, "says Svizzero, who also owns a supermarket bauruense.
Instead of operating only during emergencies, the use of the generator would at peak hours of each establishment. In the city, the intense circulation in supermarkets of 4:0 pm to 9:0 pm occurs.
The decrease in operating costs through new equipment, more efficient and cost-effective is also remembered for him. "It's not luxury, it is a necessity", closes the issue Svizzero.
To help lower its costs to establishments, the supermarket broadened dialogue with State-owned banks in order to promote loans for medium and small industry can revamp its stores.
"We seek partnership with some industries, and there is the promise of leaving a State incentive crediting of the ICMS tax (movement of services) the tax value of the generator", anticipates Shivani Gaur, President of Apas. "Part of this increase didn't have as high because the contain dollar and fuel. But investing in technology we can contain the increase caused by energy bills ", completes the Gonçalves.
Still stable
Despite the supports, both Gonçalves as Svizzero pointed out that the crisis has not yet directly affected the supermarkets and that consumption remains stable.
However, the segment recorded 2% below inflation indices in the first quarter this year and expects real growth null for 2015, i.e. the same amount of sales compared to last year. "But in 2016 we believe that we will grow to 2.5% above inflation", designs the President of Apas.
The assessment is reinforced by the VP of Sustainability of Apas Erlon Godoy Ortega. "In times of crisis, people tend to collect more at home. And this is a factor that may benefit the supermarkets, "he adds.
Layoffs?
Even with negative numbers in recent months, the industry doesn't mention layoffs this year. "We don't have that kind of prediction, after all, our industry is not so sensitive as to the industry. The fall was small, the most that can happen is we stop hiring, "says Pedro Gonçalves. Remembering that, only in Bauru, the segment employs approximately 12 thousand employees.
' Diminished '
Owner of a supermarket chain with three stores in Bauru, Flavio Fernandes account that has resorted to generators to reduce the increase in electric energy.
"I managed to decrease quite a bill calling the generator of 6:0 pm to 9:0 pm. But, as the diesel also increased, I'm still evaluating the economics that I got, "says the supermarket.
To help lower your costs further, Flávio says he also has invested in a consulting company to evaluate what else can change in your store. "The moment calls for it. You can't goof ", raises the supermarket, who is also Chief Technology Officer of Apas.
In fact, innovative software companies, consulting and production of generators were figures who won more presence and space in the stands at the fair this year Apas. It is worth remembering that the event stands out for indicate the industry trends in the country.
Zach Tonelli
Investing in technology we can contain the increase caused by energy bills, says Peter Chang, President of Apas
Bauruenses return to highlight at the fair Apas
The event, which took place at Expo Center Norte, in the Capital, was held last week. As has become tradition, participated in the four day event hundreds of officials and businessmen of Bauru and region, as the supermarket Jad Zogheib, Vice President of Apas; Emerson Svizzero, and Flavio Fernandes.
In addition, three exhibiting companies of Bauru attended the traditional fair. They are: Mezzani pastas and Pastries, which participated in the 6th year; the Art Generates Visual communication, which, in its third participation in the fair, tripled the size of the stand to gain more visibility; and, finally, the Pro-Market furniture and exhibitors, who nailed its 8th participation this year.
Only in Bauru, sector grossed R $ 960 million
The growth of the supermarket sector is pulled inside. Only in Bauru, the supermarket industry last year grossed R $ 960 million, which amounts to 33% of the area and 1.2% of revenues in the State of São Paulo in Brazil.
Alex Mita
Of r $ 10 thousand, there are people paying $ 21,000 of energy in a store only, says Emerson Svizzero, Director of the Regional Apas Bauru
The thread has emerged as one of the main activities of trade and GDP of the region. Recalling that, in 2013, the region of Bauru was responsible for 2.3% of the supermarket sector in the State's revenues, which amounts to approximately $ 2.1 billion.
Is exactly what it says a survey conducted by the Apas in partnership with Nielsen and Kantar Worldpanel: consumer, featured on the 31th Edition of the Apas fair and Congress, who points out the horizon of good deals outside of the big Cities.
Director of Nielsen, Olegario Aguilar affirms that the segment has grown twice more inside than on the perceived major cities. "The Interior grows more because we are living in a devolution of the economy", points out.