Marli Moreira
Reporter Agência Brasil

São Paulo - Supermarket sales in Brazil were down 2.42% in August, compared to July. Compared to August 2004, they were down 0.66%. However, for the year, compared to the same period last year, supermarket sales have risen 2.63%.

Spokesmen for the sector blame lower August sales on promotional sales that take place during the month which is a school vacation period and the fact that the month had an extra weekend. The sector continues to forecast a rise of 2% in sales for the year.

Translator: Allen Bennett