Distributing a product

Evolution of the sector

The three large commercial zones of the country are: the capital (Federal District) and its suburbs, Guadalajara and Monterrey. There is acute influence of the United States on consumer habits in the big cities. However, it is important to take into account that 20% of the population lives below poverty level and more than 58% in precarious conditions.

Market shares

The rise of the middle class in recent years has considerably increased the importance of the large-scale distribution sector provoking a decline on the traditional trade. Supermarkets have taken a great space: Wal Mart de México, Mexican Commercial Controller and Giant Group are the main Mexican groups in terms of large-scale distributors. Organización Soriana and Chedraui are provincial chains. 
The concept of mail-order selling and teleshopping is rapidly increasing.

Organizations in the retail sector

Ministry of Trade and Industry - Ministry of Economy
Directory of Wholesalers and Retailers in Mexico
Retailing in Mexico - Euromonitor

Types of outlet

Supermarkets

Commercial establishments of self-service offering food products, personal care items, clothing, home supplies.
Wal-Mart, Comercial Mexicana, Soriana, Chedraui

Speciality Stores

Huge areas where one can find special products: hardware, linens, furniture, home remodeling items, stationary, electronics and toys.
Home Depot, Hermanos Vázquez, Viana, Home Mart, Lumen, Office Depot, Juguetibici, RadioShack,

Department Stores

Large stores that sell famous brand names, national and international products: clothing, perfumes, footwear, home supplies, electronics, gourmet foods.
El Palacio de Hierro, Liverpool, Sears.

Discount Stores

Self-service stores that offer good quality products at  wholesale and retail prices.  They  require customer membership.
Costco

Shopping Centers

Spacious areas, located in busy sections of the cities, which group together stores and service establishments: supermarkets, department stores, banks, beauty and health spas, movie theaters, restaurants and fast food places.
Galerías Insurgentes, Centro Santa Fe, Galerías Metepec, Galerías Tabasco, Plaza Antara Polanco

Markets and "Tianguis"

Areas reserved for merchants to offer their goods: personal care and esoteric products, plants and flowers, fresh produce, cooked food and handicrafts.  Prices are very reasonable.

 

 

"Tianguis" are groups of merchants that install themselves in a particular place one or two days per week and they offer products similar to the ones found in big markets.  Their prices can be negotiated.
Mercado de Sonora, Mercado de la Merced. Tianguis de México.

Corner Stores

64% of personal shopping supplies can be bought at these small establishments where merchants offer products of daily household use and consumption at reasonable prices and provide personalized attention. They also offer advice to their loyal customers.  They sell: food products, dry goods, stationary, flowers, tortillas, hardware, etc.

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Organizing goods transport

Main useful means of transport

Transportation of goods by road insures more than 50% of commercial freight. The road network is vast (355 796 km).
Maritime international trade goes through the ports of Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Veracruz,  Dos Bocas and Cayo Arcas.
The railway is mostly used for transporting large volumes of goods to the main ports and borders.
Air transport of goods is going through a difficult period due to the lack of infrastructures and the price of fuel.

Ports

Ports of Mexico

Airports

Mexico's airports

Sea transport organizations

Ministry of Communications and Transportation -
Port and Marina Mercante

Air transport organizations

Ministry of Transportation, Communications Infrastructures, and Civil Aeronautics

Road transport organizations

Ministry of Transportation, Communications Infrastructures, and Civil Aeronautics

Rail transport organizations

Ministry of Transport, Communications Infrastructures, and Civil Aeronautics - Rail Transport