"Colombia Retail Report Q4 2015" is now available at Fast Market Research

With the fourth largest economy in Latin America, measured by GDP, Colombia's retail sector presents many opportunities for international and domestic retailers, as well as investors. Years of economically sound policy have lowered barriers to entry for international firms, and sustained economic growth has brought lower unemployment rates and higher levels of affluence for a significant portion of the population. However, lingering poverty levels, a deficient physical and transportation infrastructure, and the slow rate of non-cash payment integration into the economy continue to remain a hindrance to achieving full economic growth potential. Nevertheless, significant opportunities remain. In particular, the continuing fall of the informal sector's market share and the continuing rise of e-commerce and online retail should provide meaningful incentive for further investment and expansion.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/1052909_colombia_retail_report_q4.aspx?afid=302

Overall, the economy looks set to expand, with year-on-year (y-o-y) real GDP growth forecast at 3.1% and 3.5% in 2015 and 2016 respectively. However, due to recent currency fluctuations, BMI projects that total household income and total household spending, in USD terms, as well as household spending across all sub-sectors of the retail market we monitor, will see a significant contraction y-o-y in 2015. Nevertheless, this is expected be a short-term trend, as we predict a return to positive growth of household income and spending in 2016. Furthermore, we expect that in 2016, the number of households in the middle class bracket will increase by over 7%. Among other things, this should provide increased (as a % of total spending) ""non-essentials"" spending, on sectors such as recreation & culture, which is expected to see the highest growth rates over our forecast period, and decreased (as a % of total spending) spending on ""essential"" sectors, such as food & non-alcoholic drinks, which is expected to see the lowest growth rates over our forecast period.

The Colombia Retail Report has been researched at source and features BMI Research's independent assessment and forecasts for the retail sector. The report examines key drivers of retail sales growth and future prospects, including consumer spending and private sector investment.

BMI's Colombia Retail Report also examines the level of development and potential for growth of the retail sector, the commercial initiatives of major players, changing consumer demographics that influence demand and the regulatory environment. Key sub-sectors include mass grocery retail, autos, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, computers and consumer electronics.

Key Benefits

* Benchmark BMI's independent retail industry forecasts for Colombia to test other views - a key input for successful budgeting and strategic business planning in the Colombian retail market.
* Target business opportunities and risks in Colombia

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