The Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) recently released very optimistic data about the Brazilian supermarket sector. According to the entity, sales recorded in the last month of March were 17.23% higher than in February 2018. In real terms, 12.12% higher than the same period in 2017. The National Sales Index, calculated by the association’s Department of Economics and Research, also recorded that this was the best first quarter of a year since 2013, with a growth of 2.28%.
Another survey, this time by the São Paulo Commercial Association (ACSP), indicated that in April 2018, retail sales in the São Paulo capital increased by an average of 4.5% compared to April 2017.
Although sales related to Easter, one of the most important holidays on the calendar for the segment, contributed to this good result, confidence in the recovery of the country’s economy has also been bringing consumers back to shopping.
Higher energy demand in the sector
With increased activity in commercial establishments, the demand for electricity also rises. The input is essential for the lighting of shop windows and common areas, as well as for air conditioning, and is also a crucial factor for maintaining the lights in access areas, such as parking lots, elevators, and stairs.
With all this demand, businesses need assurance that they will not be caught off guard by a sudden power outage, which can cause enormous losses and prevent the operation as a whole.
The impact of blackouts on retail
In the recent blackout of March 21, 2018, which affected all the states in the Northeast region and part of those in the North region, commerce was one of the most affected sectors. In many cities, the power outage forced businesses of all kinds to close their doors.
In the case of supermarkets, in addition to the loss of customers and uncompleted purchases, it is worth noting that the interruption of power can cause significant damage, especially regarding the preservation of numerous perishable items. In stock, cold rooms can turn into ovens in a few hours, spoiling everything stored.
The importance of temporary power as a solution
To avoid situations like these, hiring solutions focused on energy security is an important competitive advantage. Retail companies are increasingly large consumers of temporary power. In the absence of energy supplied by traditional utilities, generators take over the operation and keep the establishment running, regardless of its size.
From small supermarkets to hypermarkets, wholesale networks, and distribution centers, many are already considering the adoption of temporary power from the implementation phase. With this preventive measure, in the event of any fluctuation from the utility, the generators are ready to fully take over the supply. In this way, the chances of losses caused by power failures are increasingly reduced.
