"Promotions and business confidence mark the recovery of the commercial sector."

In an analysis of the latest trends in the commercial sector, it has been identified that promotions and offers will continue to be a constant in the market for the rest of the year. Although this strategy could negatively impact companies' profit margins, shopping centers and wholesale markets have emerged from a challenging streak, showing signs of recovery in July after a difficult first half of the year. The first half had been marked by a significant drop in sales, prompting various market players to rethink their commercial strategies. The economic situation in the country has been characterized by a decline in consumer confidence, which has affected purchasing decisions. However, an increase in business confidence has been observed, indicating that despite the difficulties faced by consumers, the business sector is beginning to see signs of hope. The promotional campaign for the National Holidays has been a key factor in this recovery, allowing businesses to attract customers through appealing discounts. As companies strive to maintain their competitiveness, the prolongation of offers has become an essential tactic to recover some of the lost sales volume. This reflects a strategy that focuses on sales volume rather than the individual profitability of products. However, this calculated risk could lead to a scenario where profit margins are further pressured, which could have long-term repercussions on the economic health of these companies. The credit landscape has also been a topic of concern. Despite the reductions in interest rates announced by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the benefits have not yet significantly reached micro and small enterprises (MYPES) or individual consumers. Banks have reported an increase in delinquency, especially in socioeconomic segments B and C. This suggests that while credit conditions may theoretically be improving, the reality for many remains complicated. Statistics from the Superintendence of Banking, Insurance, and AFP are telling: the interest rate on consumer loans in soles has increased by 20.5% since January. This phenomenon not only limits access to financing for those who need it most but could also hinder the growth of domestic consumption, further affecting the recovery of the commercial sector. At the macroeconomic level, growth projections have been revised downward. According to Credicorp Capital, the economy is expected to grow only 1.1% this year, a figure that reflects climatic anomalies and the impact of China's economic slowdown, as well as the monetary policy decisions of the United States. The revision of these expectations has also been supported by other entities forecasting even more modest expansions of 0.8% from the Peruvian Institute of Economy (IPE) and 1% according to Macroconsult. This bleak outlook could have a domino effect on the perception of both consumers and businesses alike. If growth forecasts remain pessimistic, it is likely that consumer confidence will continue to decline, which in turn could affect business investment and limit companies' ability to offer new promotions in the future. In this context, it is crucial for both the government and the private sector to work collaboratively to foster a more favorable environment. This could include measures that facilitate access to credit, as well as initiatives that improve consumer confidence and strengthen the resilience of businesses against future economic challenges. The current market situation is a reminder of the inherent volatility of the economy, where decisions made today can have significant repercussions in the future. Maintaining a balance between the competitiveness of companies and the financial health of consumers will be essential to navigate the complex economic landscape ahead.