Paraguay’s neighbourhood shop sector is set to host the inaugural Expo Almacén. The event will take place on 9 and 10 April, 2026, at the Salemma Centre Events Hall in San Lorenzo, near Asunción. Organisers have confirmed the expo will run from 08:00 to 19:00 on both days, with entry being free of charge for all participants. Expo Almacén 2026 has been established to provide a dedicated platform for small business owners and suppliers to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities for development within the traditional retail channel.
The expo is a direct response to a long-standing need within the sector for a structured forum. Until now, there has not been a dedicated event to bring together the thousands of small, independent shopkeepers who form a vital part of the national economy.
Expo Almacén 2026: A new space for connection
Luis Ibarra, a representative for the shopkeepers, explained the motivation behind the initiative. He emphasised that the event was created to fill a crucial gap for small traders. According to Ibarra, the expo aims to foster direct relationships between retailers and their supply chain partners, which has historically been a challenge.
“This expo was born from the need we shopkeepers had for a space where we could connect directly with suppliers, get to know new brands, access services, and continue to grow as a sector.”
Expo Almacén aspires to become an essential annual meeting point. The event will facilitate access to valuable commercial opportunities, professional training, and the latest technologies designed to support small businesses. Over the two days, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive programme of activities. This includes a series of formative talks, dedicated networking sessions, and presentations of new products and services specifically tailored for the traditional retail market.
The social and economic heart of the community
Beyond their commercial role, these local shops serve as vital community hubs. Ibarra underscored the unique position these businesses hold within the social fabric of Paraguay. He described them as integral to the daily lives of families across the country.
“The shop continues to be the heart of the neighbourhood. It not only fulfils a commercial function, but also a social and cultural one, due to its proximity to the community.”
The economic significance of the sector is substantial. Official data indicates there are more than 50,000 small grocery shops, known locally as despensas, operating throughout Paraguay. Furthermore, a minimum of 21,877 families rely exclusively on this activity as their primary source of formal income. These figures illustrate the critical importance of supporting the sector’s resilience and fostering its growth for the wider national economy.
Navigating current economic challenges
Despite its importance, the sector currently faces considerable economic headwinds. Ibarra acknowledged the difficult trading conditions, pointing to a broader slowdown in consumer spending that is impacting sales. This has forced shop owners to adapt to shifting purchasing habits.
“We are in a complex moment, with a retraction in consumption. People are buying in smaller quantities and prioritising essentials. Even so, the shopkeeper constantly seeks to reinvent themselves to sustain their business.”
In response to these challenges, shopkeepers have proactively developed innovative strategies to remain competitive. These tactics include forming purchasing groups to negotiate better prices with suppliers, a practice known as joint purchasing. Moreover, many have diversified their product offerings and incorporated new revenue streams. These additional services often include mobile phone top-ups and electronic payment processing, transforming the local shop into a multi-service convenience point for residents.
Embracing technology to modernise operations
A significant highlight of Expo Almacén 2026 will be the launch of a new, low-cost management software. This system has been specifically developed for almacenes (neighbourhood shops) to improve their administrative efficiency and support their formalisation. The software is the result of a collaborative effort between the Association of Shopkeepers and the technology company Focus. Its introduction is seen as a critical step towards modernising the day-to-day operations of these small enterprises, allowing them to manage stock, sales, and finances more effectively.
The push for formalisation is particularly important, as it enables these businesses to access credit, comply with regulations more easily, and achieve greater long-term stability. The availability of an affordable and accessible tool is expected to lower the barrier to entry for many shopkeepers who may have previously found such systems to be financially out of reach.
Also read: Paraguay’s New Payment Law Opens Door To PayPal, And Other Payment Providers.
