Retail Expansion Summit to Connect Mexico’s Growth Players

Summary: Mexico’s retail sector is entering a new expansion cycle as brands, investors and developers seek growth opportunities through store openings, real estate partnerships and franchise models despite moderate consumer demand. The Retail Expansion Summit & Expo 2026 will address key industry priorities, including location strategy, omnichannel retail, artificial intelligence adoption and changing consumer behavior as companies prepare for future growth. 

Mexico’s retail sector is preparing for new expansion opportunities as industry players seek growth strategies amid changing consumer behavior, digital transformation and a more cautious economic environment. 

The first edition of Retail Expansion Summit & Expo will take place Oct. 15-16, 2026, at The Westin Santa Fe in Mexico City, bringing together brands, developers, investors and specialized suppliers focused on commercial expansion, real estate development and franchising.

Organized as a meeting point for companies involved in retail growth, the event will include conferences, panels and business meetings designed for executives responsible for expansion, business development, real estate, operations and franchise strategies. 

The summit comes as Mexico’s retail industry continues to evaluate expansion opportunities while adapting to moderate consumer demand, rising operating costs and the growing role of digital tools in purchasing decisions.

Against this backdrop, Retail Expansion Summit & Expo will address the main factors involved in opening new retail units, from identifying potential markets to selecting locations and developing business models.

The program will include sessions focused on market analysis, point-of-sale location strategies, innovation, artificial intelligence applications in retail, franchise models and changes in consumer behavior. 

Companies from sectors including fashion, restaurants and coffee shops, entertainment, convenience stores, discount retailers, health and wellness, technology, services and specialty retail will participate to share experiences related to their expansion processes.

The event aims to connect companies looking to increase their presence in Mexico with potential partners, locations and service providers. Participants will include shopping center developers, commercial property owners, mixed-use project developers, franchisees, master franchise operators, international consultants and companies offering retail solutions.

These connections are expected to support discussions on how brands can identify new locations, establish partnerships and expand their operations in different markets. 

Moderate Demand Plus Expansion Plans

The summit will take place as Mexico’s retail industry navigates a period of slower consumption growth. Sales from retailers affiliated with the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD) increased 1.7% year over year in March 2026 on a same-store basis, showing a modest recovery from February’s 1.1% increase but remaining below January’s 2% growth, reported MBN. 

On a total-store basis, which includes locations opened during the previous 12 months, sales increased 3.8% compared with March 2025. During 1Q2026, same-store sales grew 2%, while total-store sales increased 4.1%. ANTAD members reported sales of MX$134.3 billion (US$7.75 billion) in March, bringing cumulative first-quarter sales to MX$388.9 billion (US$22.45 billion).

Antonio Hernández, senior analyst at Actinver Casa de Bolsa, said March results represented an improvement compared with February but remained below previous levels. He expects same-store sales growth to remain in the low- to mid-single digits during the rest of the year due to limited short-term growth drivers.

Retail performance has also varied by segment. Specialized stores, including pharmacies and apparel retailers, recorded the strongest results, with same-store sales increasing 4.9% and total-store sales rising 7.9%.

Meanwhile, self-service stores, including supermarket chains, reported same-store sales growth of only 0.3% in March, while total-store sales increased 2.5%. Department stores recorded same-store sales growth of 0.9% and total-store sales growth of 2.1%, reflecting cautious consumer spending. 

New Store Openings

Despite softer consumption trends, the retail industry continues to identify opportunities for expansion. A study by consultancy Todo Retail estimates that companies will open at least 3,000 new stores in Mexico in 2026 across self-service, department store, specialty and convenience formats.

The consultancy also forecasts retail sales growth of at least 5% in 2026. Jorge Quiroga, founder and CEO of Todo Retail, said companies are expected to focus on markets where they can attract new customers and continue increasing both sales and store openings, reported MBN. 

Mexico currently has about 96,000 points of sale across self-service, department store, convenience and specialty retail channels. ANTAD data indicates that its members are expected to close 2025 with same-store sales growth of 3.9%, compared with 4.2% in 2024, when retailers opened more than 2,300 stores.

The expected expansion reflects continued interest from brands and investors seeking opportunities in Mexico’s consumer market, despite economic uncertainty. 

Digital Transformation Priority for Retailers

Along with physical expansion, retailers are increasing investment in digital capabilities as consumer habits continue to change. Companies are expected to strengthen e-commerce platforms, expand digital advertising and integrate technology into operations.

Consumer behavior has shifted toward fewer store visits but higher average transaction values, influenced by lower confidence levels and tighter household budgets. Younger consumers are increasingly combining online and physical purchases, comparing prices and managing spending more carefully.

Quiroga warned that retailers that fail to integrate artificial intelligence into areas such as supply chains, distribution and sales could lose competitiveness. He emphasized that omnichannel strategies, which combine physical and digital retail channels, have become a requirement rather than a temporary trend.