24/06/2026 06:24 - Economia
Argentina's commercial sector is experiencing a remarkable expansion as multiple international brands seek to establish themselves in this South American market of 46 million consumers. Retail giants including Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Mango, and Decathlon are leading an unprecedented wave of market entries, primarily concentrated in shopping centers and urban retail corridors throughout Buenos Aires City, the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and interior provinces.
For international readers unfamiliar with Argentina: Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city, while Greater Buenos Aires (locally known as "conurbano") refers to the densely populated ring of suburbs surrounding the capital. These areas represent the country's most important consumer markets.
The trend encompasses both companies entering Argentina for the first time and existing brands expanding their retail footprint. The sectors with the strongest international presence include fashion, footwear, sports equipment, cosmetics, and personal care.
The iconic Italian fashion house will open its first Argentine location within Patio Bullrich, the upscale shopping center that has established itself as the premier destination for luxury brands in Buenos Aires. The store will offer fashion, footwear, and accessories.
The prestigious shopping center will also welcome Armani, expanding its premium brand portfolio that already includes Adolfo Domínguez, Montblanc, and Paul & Shark, all incorporated in recent months.
| Brand | Segment | Location | Expected Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimissimi | Lingerie | Alto Palermo | Already Open |
| Dolce & Gabbana | Luxury Fashion | Patio Bullrich | Coming Soon |
| Armani | Luxury Fashion | Patio Bullrich | Coming Soon |
| Mango | Fashion | Alto Palermo | Second Half 2026 |
| Bath & Body Works | Personal Care | Abasto Shopping | September 2026 |
| Kiabi | Fashion | Florida & Sarmiento | August-September 2026 |
| Bestseller | Fashion (Jack & Jones, Only) | Av. Santa Fe | September 2026 |
| Skinko | Korean Cosmetics | Alcorta Shopping | June 2026 |
Located in the trendy Palermo neighborhood, this shopping center welcomed Intimissimi (Italian lingerie brand from Leuru Group, which also manages Levi's, Lacoste, and Bimba y Lola in Argentina). The brand will compete with Victoria's Secret, which opened in November 2025.
This modern shopping center in the Belgrano neighborhood will open a new Skechers store in June 2026. Additionally, Skinko (Korean cosmetics) will arrive before month's end, with plans to reach Abasto Shopping by July.
This upscale shopping center in the Recoleta/Nuñez area will welcome Bullpadel in July 2026 (padel tennis equipment brand, already present at Portal Palermo and Unicenter). Skinko will also join its commercial offerings.
Cencosud Argentina (the local subsidiary of Chilean retail giant Cencosud) is executing an expansion project at Unicenter with an investment of $60 million USD, scheduled for completion in October 2027. The initiative includes new commercial spaces and the arrival of additional international brands.
For context, Unicenter is one of Argentina's largest shopping centers, located in Martínez, Greater Buenos Aires. Among the brands arriving during the second half of the year are Armani Exchange and new expansions of Miniso and Indian. Cencosud plans to replicate some of these incorporations at other complexes including Palmas del Pilar, Portal Patagonia, and Portal Rosario.
The French sporting goods retailer has already opened its second location in Córdoba (Argentina's second-largest city, located 700km northwest of Buenos Aires) and has a planned third opening at Abasto Shopping. By late 2026, it will arrive at Portal Rosario (Rosario is Argentina's third-largest city). The brand is operated locally by businessman Manuel Antelo.
Through Grupo David (the company responsible for bringing Victoria's Secret to Argentina), the American personal care brand will open a new location at Abasto Shopping in September 2026. It already operates at Alto Palermo, Unicenter, and Galerías Pacífico.
A major Argentine retail operator holding licenses for Intimissimi, Levi's, Lacoste, and Bimba y Lola. They recently incorporated French brands Sandro and Maje at Alcorta Shopping.
The driving force behind Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works entry into the Argentine market, continuing to expand its portfolio of international brands.
A traditional Argentine footwear company now responsible for developing Mango in Argentina, with the first store opening at Alto Palermo scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Argentina's leading shopping center operators are driving modernization and expansion projects to attract new international brands. IRSA is Argentina's largest real estate company, while Cencosud is a Chilean multinational retail conglomerate.
Gastón Manganiello, Marketing Director at IRSA, explained that shopping centers function as "growth platforms for the retail sector". Brands prioritize locations with high visitor traffic, diverse offerings, and the capacity to create shopping experiences.
Sebastián Núñez, General Manager of Cencosud Argentina's shopping division, stated that incorporating new brands aims to "expand the available offerings for consumers and consolidate shopping centers as meeting and consumption spaces".
This wave of foreign investment reflects major brands' confidence in the Argentine market, attracted by the purchasing power of the middle class and the diversification of commercial channels. The expansion of shopping centers and the arrival of new international firms contribute to energizing the retail sector and creating employment throughout the country. Argentina continues to demonstrate its appeal as Latin America's third-largest economy and a strategic gateway to the South American market.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
