Retail in Mexico

April 2025
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in Mexico with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in Mexico, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in Mexico report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in Mexico?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in Mexico?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in Mexico?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in Mexico?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in Mexico

Retail in 2024: The big picture
Artificial intelligence spearheads innovation in Mexico’s retail landscape
Investing in omnichannel capabilities is key for success
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
Christmas Season
Back to School
Hot Sale
Buen Fin
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Leading players engage in aggressive expansion in 2024
OXXO Spin – both a loyalty programme and financial services
7-Eleven offers exclusive high-quality products as a means of differentiation
OXXO is innovating through tech to drive growth
Remaining Extra stores became Circle K
Strategic uncertainty amid potential acquisition of Seven & I by Alimentation Couche-Tard
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Supermarkets in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Increased income favours supermarkets as consumers seek high-quality fresh foods
Supercito of Chedraui occupies sweet spot between supermarket, discounter and convenience store
Independent supermarkets still relevant in Mexico’s interior
Strong competition expected for supermarkets in the short term
Sustainability as a core principle in supermarkets’ strategic planning
Focus on fresh and healthy concepts will continue to sharpen
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Hypermarkets in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Vast product offering and appealing shopping experience give hypermarkets the edge
Walmart maintains overall leadership in 2024
Click-and-collect becoming key differentiator for hypermarkets
Hypermarket players’ omnichannel strategies set to boost sales
Hypermarkets are changing their supply chains to increase efficiency and sustainability
Retailers will continue to invest in and develop private label products
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Discounters in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Competitive prices and proximity as key drivers for dynamic growth in 2024
Wal-Mart continues to dominate, expanding network and improving payment methods
Tiendas 3B becomes Mexico’s largest discounter by outlets, entering NYSE to fuel expansion
Dynamism in discounters fuelled by continued investment in tech
Discounters will continue to gain ground against small local grocers
Mexico’s economy woes may benefit discounters during forecast period
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Small Local Grocers in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Development in modern grocery channels negatively impacts small local grocers
Segalmex continues to lead a highly fragmented channel
Small local grocers play a key role in the Mexican economy
Mexican government will determine the future of small local grocers
Small local grocers will continue to play a key role despite expansion of modern channels
More stores will partner with delivery apps and expand into e-commerce
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

General Merchandise Stores in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

E-commerce and financial services drive interest in department stores in 2024
Variety stores sees strong growth in revenue and outlets due to value proposition
Major players in department stores make significant investments
El Puerto de Liverpool’s newest logistical platform will fuel further growth for retailer
Elektra’s exit from stock market may open opportunities for other competitors
Players to increase invest in omnichannel strategies and new outlets
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Decline in production means stagnant growth for apparel and footwear specialists in 2024
Inditex sees sales rise while H&M declines despite new store openings
E-commerce sees rapid rises
New tariffs aim protect apparel in Mexico, while players invest more in tech
American retailer TJ Maxx to open in Mexico, as players increase social media participation
El Puerto de Liverpool acquires Nordstrom, and second-hand trend accelerates
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Appliances and electronics among most-bought products during promotional seasons
iShop and Steren continue to rise
RadioShack keeps closing stores but grows revenue
New imports tariffs imposed by US may affect exports of appliances and electronics
Innovation and increasing competition from Asian markets as two biggest challenges for appliances
Customer experience and sustainability will play a key role
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Home Products Specialists in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Pet stores continues to rise though +Kota goes bankrupt
Home Depot grows in Mexico despite decline in global sales
Mexico’s emergence as furniture exporter fuels home furnishings, and e-commerce gains traction
Nearshoring will help hardware expand in Mexico, as home products faces competitive threats from other channels
Casaideas leverages resources from The Home Store
Increase in local production of pet food may increase sales for pet stores, and sustainability remains key concern
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Health and Beauty Specialists in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Pharmacies enjoys growth in revenue and outlets in 2024
Domestic and multinational beauty specialists complement each other
GNC invests in AI platforms to optimise supply chain
Consumers will prioritise natural and sustainable products as pharmacies continues to rise
Pharmacy Farmacias del Ahorro set to launch fintech in 2025
Grupo Axo to bring cosmetics store Ulta Beauty to Mexico, while e-commerce expands
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Vending in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Boom in tourism and improved economic conditions support growth for vending in 2024
Competitive landscape remains highly consolidated
Touchless technology and electronic payment methods help drive expansion
Current value rises to continue throughout forecast period
Increased investment in smart vending machines
Vending still holds high potential for future growth
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Direct Selling in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Sales increase as number of direct selling agents continues to fall
Companies invest further in omnichannel strategies
Health and beauty and fashion dominate sales in direct selling
Further growth in sales will be seen amid continued falls in number of agents
Sustainability to remain in sharp focus
Health and beauty and fashion will continue to lead direct selling in Mexico during forecast period
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Retail E-Commerce in Mexico

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Promotional seasons key to growth in retail e-commerce in Mexico
Mercado Libre and Amazon continue to lead Mexico’s e-commerce landscape
Shein and Temu will now pay added tax for all imports into the country, and local consumers gain trust in online payments
E-commerce will continue to expand thanks to digital innovation
Tariffs imposed by US government may boost local e-commerce growth
Local retailers invest more to gain traction in e-commerce sales
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

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