Retail trade in Santo Domingo Norte seeks to strengthen itself through joint purchasing
The National Central of United Retailers (CNDU) has launched a key strategy for small merchants in Santo Domingo Norte, focused on the organization and optimization of their merchandise acquisition processes. Under the slogan “United or we disappear,” the entity seeks for owners of “colmados” (local grocery stores) and local establishments to overcome current economic challenges through the creation of the Joint Purchasing Committee.
During the discussion held this Thursday, Ricardo Rosario, president of the CNDU, highlighted that unity is the only way to face unequal competition and the advance of large capital in the local market.
Thousands of merchants buying individually are thousands of small buyers; thousands of merchants buying together become a force with the capacity to negotiate.
Ricardo Rosario, president of the CNDU
Potential of associative purchasing
The model proposed by the CNDU allows merchants to consolidate their orders for mass consumer products, such as rice, eggs, beans, oil, and sugar. According to Rosario, this modality grants greater bargaining power with suppliers, which translates into better final prices for both business owners and Dominican consumers.
- Scalability: Moving from individual purchases to large-volume acquisitions for collective distribution.
- Operational efficiency: Cost reduction and supply chain optimization.
- Modernization: Integration of inventory systems and digital tools to improve competitiveness.
Municipal Model Market Situation
The meeting also served as a stage to analyze the impact of the construction of the new Municipal Model Market in the La Vieja Habana sector. While the CNDU positively valued the management of Mayor Betty Gerónimo, it made an emphatic call to the authorities so that the merchants of Los Guaricanos, who have operated for more than 20 years, be integrated into this project.
“Progress cannot be used to replace the small; true progress must integrate them,” stated Rosario, defending the right to work of those who have been the commercial backbone of the area for decades.
A digital and competitive future
Finally, the CNDU stressed that the survival of the Dominican “colmado” depends on its ability to adapt to new market demands. This includes the adoption of electronic payment methods and modern billing systems, without sacrificing the essence of neighborhood commerce: closeness to the community. The organization reaffirmed that its goal is not to oppose growth, but to foster an environment of equity where the small merchant can continue to be a fundamental pillar of the local economy.
