Marcelo García: “We explore sales through the internet”

Ecuadornews:

How many years will the new Distribution Center in Lomas de Sargentill serve?

About 50 years. But that was thought in the penultimate that was built and its capacity lasted less than 10 years.

Does the supermarket sector grow at an accelerated pace?

Yes, in the case of TIA, the capacity of the penultimate distribution center fell short, due to the growth we have. At present we have 198 stores in the country and we are going to close the year with more than 200. The idea is to open 15 to 20 next year. We are committed to the Government to open at least 10 each year. That is, 100 stores in 10 years, minimum.

How many jobs will be created?

At the end of 2017 we had 8,500 workers and the plan is to increase more than 200 jobs per year. If in a year we open 10 stores and each one requires 30 people, it would be 300. Right now, two more premises are being built in Quito, we are going to open in Manabí and this year we open in a border area, in Shushufindi; in Guayaquil we open in Juan Montalvo.

What parameters are taken into account to decide that a TIA can be built in that locality?

The lack of coverage of the supermarket as such in Ecuador is studied. Obviously, we move where the population is changing, but areas where we can still reach are identified.

Currently, where are you building a TIA?

In Ciudad Celeste, it will be inaugurated in November and another in the Salitre road, there will be a TIA Plaza; it will be ready in December and will open in January.

They are growing at an accelerated pace, what is the key to success?

Know the customer, always innovate. We do not sit down to admire success, but we always ask ourselves how we can improve. We have been next to the client in difficult times. We have not stopped investing.

Do you have sales plans over the internet?

We are now exploring that market. We already have online order delivery, a study says that the virtual customer spends three to five times more, than those who go to the store. We also have home delivery in La Joya and La Aurora; the order is made by phone and the payment can be by card or cash, with this strategy the sales increased by 15%. We have electronic coupons.

How much do you estimate to grow this year?

Between 5% and 8%. In the next few days we will announce an innovation. (I)

Source:https://www.expreso.ec/economia/empresas-supermercados-inversiones-empleo-BM2349883