The Integrated Suppliers Fair X+ carried out his sixth edition on August 6 and 7 at the Golden Center in the City of Buenos Aires. The meeting was organized by Red del Hogar, Grupo Márquez and Grupo Gaona, with the participation of the purchasing groups Grupo Uninor, GrupHogar, Cooperativa Mar y Sierras and Grupo Haedo.

This year, the event brought together more than 200 merchants and to the main suppliers of the retail sector. More than 65 companies, among them Philips, Visuar, Drean, Electrolux, Rotoplas, Fagsistems, BGH, Liliana, Midea, Piero, Suavestar, Escorial, Radio Victoria, Rheem and Autosal. With more than 900 attendees, the 2025 edition showed marked growth compared to previous years, both in the number of visitors and in business opportunities.

"We have an extremely positive balance because 220 companies and more than 300 buyers participated. We have 65 suppliers that supported more than 150 brands. The business climate was optimal, agreements were made and people were very optimistic, eager to continue participating", he said Carlos Costi, president of Red del Hogar.

"It is our sixth edition and every year we grow in the number of suppliers, visitors and partners. At a time where digitalization separates people a little, this format allows human contact and generates stronger business relationships", he said Gabriel Yablon, president of Grupo Márquez.

"I highlight the energy that was breathed throughout the environment, as well as the synergy and the strengthening of strategic ties between us and the companies. That was what was experienced"he added Marcelo Alzugaray, president of Gaona Group.

At the official opening, the presidents of the three organizing networks welcomed the attendees. During the first day, a series of talks was held by Novatech and Fagsistems - which presented launches, current growth and projections - and by Rava Bursátil, which addressed investment strategies in a pre-election context. There was also the notable participation of the economist Santiago Bulat.

The second day was marked by new rounds of negotiation, presentations and a tour of the stands to learn about launches, trends and proposals.

The fair closed with a cocktail, raffles, gifts and a climate of optimism that, according to the organizers, marks the positive projection of the sector for next year.

Within the framework of the sixth edition of Integrated X+, the organizing partners Carlos Costi, President of the Home Network, Gabriel Yablon, president of Grupo Márquez y Marcelo Alzugaray, president Gaona Group, shared their assessment of the meeting and reflected on the current retail context, the challenges faced by manufacturers and merchants, and the prospects for the coming months.

For Yablon, The effort of the participating companies was notable despite the limitations of the context. "We saw great effort to participate, with well-equipped stands, merchandise and attractive proposals. This, at a time when budgets are tight, demonstrates the commitment of our suppliers and the importance they give to being present at this type of events," he stated.

Costi stressed that One of the partners' main concerns is the growing competition faced by the traditional retail channel. "The retail channel with a street location is invaded by online sales, marketplaces, even with suppliers competing directly, door-to-door and imports from different points. This generates unfair competition and reinforces the need to unite even more to generate businesses that allow us to compete." In line with this vision, Yablón added that abrupt changes in consumption and sales formats force rapid adaptation. "We need predictability and a long-term vision to implement the changes that the market demands. Today the outlook is too conditioned by the political and economic situation."

The balance of the event was very positive for Alzugaray, who highlighted the satisfaction of the attendees with the proposal. “They were very happy with the companies, the offers and the level of attendance at the stands, closing good operations and with a climate of optimism for the future,” he said.

Regarding the situation of manufacturers, Costi warned about the lack of competitiveness generated by a low exchange rate and a high tax burden, which leads many to consider importing. Yablon agreed and pointed out that the conversion towards a mixed manufacturing and import model is inevitable but costly: “Factories must adapt to more competitive prices for imported products, but they carry structures designed for a production model that is no longer the same.”

Regarding the categories with the greatest projection, Yablón highlighted that The white line: refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and televisions, maintains an important weight in the market, although the pressure of external prices forces constant adjustments. Alzugaray added that this segment, historically protected by its national production, today is more exposed to competition from imported products.

The final message from the organizers was focused on unity and the ability to adapt as axes to face the future. "The outlook is not easy, but with everyone's support we will overcome this situation. Integrated X+ seeks to ensure that each partner can buy better and work together to strengthen everyone's position in the market," said Costi. Along the same lines, Alzugaray stressed the need for drastic changes in marketing and purchasing methods, as well as generating strategic alliances to guarantee profitability. “We want to give an encouraging message: we are working to become a modern and competitive structure, with improvements in imports, financing and agreements with the main companies in the sector so that all our partners work better.”