Competencia y sostenibilidad en el comercio urbano: análisis de competitividad entre Hard Discounts y tiendas de barrio en Bucaramanga

Abstract

This study examines the competitiveness between hard discount stores and neighborhood stores in Bucaramanga, with the aim of understanding the transformations that urban retail is undergoing in the face of the expansion of highly efficient, price-oriented business models. The research begins with the recognition that both formats fulfill distinct functions within the everyday supply system, but compete directly for consumer preference. From this perspective, the analysis focused on identifying the economic, commercial, and social factors that influence the sustainability of traditional stores and the consolidation of hard discount stores as increasingly relevant players in the local market. Using a comparative approach, key competitiveness variables were evaluated, such as price level, assortment breadth and turnover, average transaction value, personalized service, geographic proximity, and credit flexibility. The results demonstrate that hard discount stores possess structural advantages stemming from their operational efficiency, their negotiating power with suppliers, the standardization of processes, and their low-price policy—elements that allow them to attract consumers sensitive to savings and convenience. In contrast, neighborhood stores retain significant strengths associated with customer proximity, interpersonal trust, knowledge of the family and neighborhood context, and the ability to offer more flexible service tailored to the immediate needs of households.