CNDU launches strategic plan to boost the competitiveness of small merchants in the Dominican Republic
The National Central of United Retailers (CNDU) has launched an ambitious national plan designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s small merchants. The central objective of this initiative is to optimize operating costs and improve final consumer prices through joint purchasing strategies, access to specialized financing, and a greater range of services.
The announcement was made official by Ricardo Rosario, president of the CNDU, during the Conversational Forum with Retailers held in San Pedro de Macorís. At this meeting, local merchants had the opportunity to expose the challenges they currently face to keep their businesses afloat in the face of growing pressure from large retail chains.
Tools for business sustainability
Rosario emphasized that the plan seeks to provide corner stores and small establishments with tools that allow them to compete on equal terms. Among the main measures are:
- Joint purchasing: A program that will allow retailers to negotiate discounts and better terms on essential products in the basic food basket.
- Access to credit: Implementation of savings and financing programs with preferential rates through the United Retailers Cooperative (COOPENADO).
Through COOPENADO we will launch an ambitious credit program for working capital, fixed assets, joint purchases, and emergencies. We will also offer school loans, consumer loans, and loans for the acquisition of household appliances and home goods to the employees of our members.
Ricardo Rosario, president of the CNDU
Sector challenges and next steps
During the forum, merchants pointed out critical concerns affecting their profitability, such as the high cost of importing Verifones, the requirements of electronic invoicing, and the decrease in sales through the Supérate card. Likewise, the importance of formalizing labor contracts in the sector was debated to adapt to new market dynamics.
The CNDU will continue to hold these meetings in various provinces of the country until November 26th. The series of discussions will conclude on December 10th with a major national gathering at the Association of Wholesalers of Santo Domingo, within the framework of Retailer Week. Through these actions, the entity reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that small businesses can reduce their expenses and strengthen their presence in the national market.
