Assaí Plans Shorter Hours and Logistics Efficiency by 2027
The wholesale chain adjusts operations for the end of the 6x1 work schedule and seeks productivity to protect margins amid constrained consumption.
Assaí faces a challenging landscape marked by high interest rates and household debt in Brazil. The company plans to reduce store operating hours starting in January 2027 to absorb labor costs resulting from the end of the 6x1 work schedule.
Executive Belmiro Gomes stated that the change will be sector-wide and adapted to the specific demand of each region. The chain aims to maintain profitability without passing costs to the final consumer while observing a shift toward cheaper products on store shelves.
To offset the operational reduction, Assaí is betting on productivity gains within its supply chain. The strategy involves standardizing packaging and barcodes to accelerate checkout processes and inventory replenishment.
The company expects these improvements to reduce replenishment time by up to 30% and checkout wait times by 20%. The Brazilian Wholesale Association is leading efforts to certify packaging that facilitates direct display in stores.
Despite macroeconomic pressure, the company maintains a conservative stance on expansion. The goal is to protect margins and ensure operational efficiency in a still-contained Brazilian consumer environment.
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