Promotions, discounts and offers They are some of the messages that various shops – like those of footwear, costumes, appliances and restaurants – are using to capture a part of Bonus 14, both in the metropolitan area and in the interior of the country.
Some decentralized companies and entities made the payment of the benefit yesterday, although the deadline established by law is next July 15. The bond is equivalent to a nominal salary.
It is estimated that more than Q7 billion They will be in circulation for the payment of this benefit, both by the public and private sector. Although a good percentage is used for savings and payment of debts, another item is oriented to consumption in the home, which energizes production.
In addition, there is a displacement of people towards tourist centers, especially on the southern coast and other destinations, which activates local tourism and demand for goods and services.
Since the effect is seasonal, the Bank of Guatemala injected more than Q2 thousand 500 million to meet the demand for circulating.
Dynamism
Abraham Az, president of the restaurant union attached to the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala (CCG), declared that Bonus 14 represents, as every year, an important injection of liquidity that boosters certain sectors of the economy, including gastronomy.
The restaurant sector projects a rebound in the activity, especially in urban areas and shopping centers, where historically more movement is registered.
AZ indicated that expectations are positive, although diners are expected to be more prudent than in previous years, due to the national economic situation. “As a productive sector, we are prepared, with positive expectations, and we hope to receive more visits and, of course, greater sales.”
“This first weekend of July marks the beginning of a key stage for our sector. The expectation of many workers to receive bonus 14, added to the coincidence with international sporting events such as the Eurocup and the Copa América, generates a favorable environment for consumption, especially in restaurants that offer complete experiences: good food, comfortable environment and transmission of parties,” he said.
Regarding the benefited segments, AZ mentioned restaurants aimed at the middle-high and high public, especially those that offer comprehensive gastronomic experiences.
“This first weekend of July marks the beginning of a key stage for our sector. The expectation of many workers to receive bond 14, added to the coincidence with international sporting events such as the Eurocup and the Copa América“
Abraham Az, Guild President of Restaurants
As an example, he cited establishments in Cayalá, Oakland, zone 10 and road to El Salvador, whose target audience is usually an adult, between 30 and 50 years, with average to high purchasing power, which appreciates the quality, presentation and the environment.
He added that this type of client usually allocates part of Bonus 14 at pair exits, family celebrations or meetings with friends.
Multiplier effect
Raúl Bouscayrol, president of the Guatemalan Chamber of Industry (CIG), emphasized that this labor benefit increases the demand for cash in the country, which is why about Q2 thousand 500 million are injected between the last days of June and the first of July.
The industrial sector provides that, during this weekend, there is a high influx of consumers to shopping centers, supermarkets, shops retail Specialized in household items, appliances, technology and furniture, as well as restaurants and other places of consumption.
Bouscayrol added that other people allocate this benefit to improvements in their homes – repair or remodeling -, to the hitch of vehicles or motorcycles, to the payment of debts or recreational activities.
“Taking into account the fate of Bonus 14, the benefited segments are those of food and drinks, retailrestaurants, technological products, financial services and tourism, ”he concluded.