Mexico’s beloved neighborhood stores, or “tienditas,” are under threat from economic and security challenges. The “Pulse of the Neighborhood Store 2025” survey by the National Alliance of Small Businesses (ANPEC) reveals that 77% of over 2,300 merchants worry about permanent closure. A significant portion, 68%, have had to temporarily close to survive.
Inflation, low sales, and extortion are identified as primary threats. Rising inflation is affecting purchasing power, with only one in ten customers able to afford the basic food basket. Consequently, 75% of store owners have lost customers to cheaper alternatives.
Extortion poses another challenge, with 40% of small shops experiencing it, whether via phone or from local gangs. This issue affects both remote and urban areas.
Economic pressure has led many owners to take drastic steps, such as:
- Selling products at a loss
- Switching to cheaper alternatives
- Stopping payments for basic services like water or property taxes
Approximately 80% of these corner stores are grocery businesses, often run from the owner’s home. Despite struggles, 72% of owners are willing to innovate but lack digital training, with 90% reporting no access to such education.
ANPEC President Cuauhtémoc Rivera stresses that these stores operate out of commitment rather than profit, emphasizing the need for policies to support the fabric of Mexico’s neighborhoods.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full article on Mexico News Daily.
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