Cencosud Delivers Its Strongest Sales Growth of the Year, Driven by Key Markets and Continued Progress in Its Omnichannel Ecosystem
Cencosud Delivers Its Strongest Sales Growth of the Year, Driven by Key Markets and Continued Progress in Its Omnichannel Ecosystem
- Revenue increased 9.2% to CLP 4,328 billion (USD 4,644 million), with same-store sales in Chile’s supermarket business returning to positive growth.
- Online sales posted double-digit growth across all six countries, increasing 17.4% on a consolidated basis, with 8.2 million online transactions during the quarter.
- Net income rose 477.9% to CLP 50,247 million (USD 54 million), alongside profitability improvements in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Shopping Centers.
SANTIAGO, Chile--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cencosud reported revenue of CLP 4,328 billion (USD 4,644 million) in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 9.2% increase compared to the same period last year. These results reflect stronger commercial momentum in key markets such as Chile and Argentina, as well as the Company’s progress in executing its long-term strategy, focused on strengthening its omnichannel ecosystem and developing capabilities to drive profitable and sustainable growth across all markets.
Against this backdrop, sales through digital channels recorded double-digit growth in all six countries where the Company operates, led by Argentina, where online sales increased 58.5% in local currency compared to the same period last year. On a consolidated basis, the number of online transactions rose 14.6% to 8.2 million during the quarter, reflecting continued progress toward an increasingly integrated omnichannel offering designed to provide customers with a more connected and convenient shopping experience.
Total online sales reached CLP 445,893 million (USD 478 million), up 17.4% compared to the same quarter last year, while online sales penetration increased 141 basis points to 11.3% of total sales. This momentum was also reflected in a 13.6% increase in omnichannel customers (those who shop across both physical stores and online channels). Meanwhile, Prime subscriptions grew 39.6% across the region during the quarter. Further supporting this progress, Cencosud revamped its Puntos Cencosud loyalty program in Chile, bringing together its different retail formats under a unified platform to strengthen customer engagement and deepen customer insights, enabling an increasingly personalized shopping experience.
The Company’s reported net income increased 477.9% compared to the same period last year, reaching CLP 50,247 million (USD 54 million), driven by higher operating income, supported by the revaluation of investment properties, and lower net financial costs.
Reported Adjusted EBITDA reached CLP 295,692 million (USD 317 million), down 5.2% compared to the third quarter of 2025, with a margin of 6.8%. Performance was primarily affected by expense pressures in Chile and the sale of the Bretas operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which had positively impacted results in the third quarter of the previous year. These effects were partially offset by Adjusted EBITDA growth in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Shopping Centers.
“The third quarter marks a turning point and confirms that we are moving in the right direction: our sales are growing again, our supermarket business in Chile has returned to growth, and online sales are posting double-digit increases across all six countries. The transformation we are driving is already delivering tangible results, with more customers, a stronger omnichannel ecosystem, and profitability improvements in key markets. Our focus remains on driving greater efficiency and scaling these capabilities across our entire portfolio, always keeping the customer at the center of everything we do. We look ahead with confidence,” said Rodrigo Larraín, CEO of Cencosud.
Alongside the continued strengthening of its digital and omnichannel capabilities, Cencosud made further progress in developing its physical retail offering and expanding and optimizing its store formats. Through a combination of new store openings, conversions, and renovations, the Company continued to enhance its commercial offering across its markets.
In Chile, the Company opened nine stores during the quarter, adding 2,956 sqm of selling space. Highlights included Jumbo Apoquindo, a new urban-format store spanning approximately 1,700 sqm, along with eight new Don Salva stores, bringing the format’s total footprint to 11 locations. In addition, Paris Cenco Alto Las Condes reopened following a renovation, introducing a new standard for the Company’s department stores. In Chile’s supermarket business, revenue increased 2.0%, online sales grew 17.6%, and same-store sales returned to positive growth.
In Argentina, Cencosud continued to advance operational efficiency and strengthen its commercial offering, highlighted by 58.5% growth in online sales in local currency and improved profitability, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing 50.8%, outpacing local inflation. In addition, Portal Rosario welcomed five new international brands (Kiabi, Indian, Vero Moda, Only, and Jack & Jones) as well as Decathlon, adding approximately 4,000 sqm of new retail space.
In Brazil, Cencosud opened a new Giga store in São Paulo and continued making progress on the renovation of 22 stores, 14 of which reopened during the period, including the conversion of four Bretas stores in Goiás to the Prezunic format.
In Peru, the Company maintained solid performance, supported by Metro and Wong. Online sales increased 20.1% compared to the same period last year, while the customer base continued to expand and Wong Prime recorded growth of 48.1%.
In Colombia, Cencosud remained focused on strengthening operational efficiency and improving business profitability. In Supermarkets, the Company advanced margin optimization and operating expense control, alongside initiatives aimed at improving efficiency across Metro and Jumbo stores. In Shopping Centers, Plaza Central made a notable contribution following its consolidation in June 2026, after the acquisition of a 51% stake in the asset, further strengthening Cenco Malls’ scale and market position in the country.
In the United States, The Fresh Market maintained strong e-commerce growth and continued advancing operational efficiency and discipline, while reinforcing commercial initiatives to drive customer traffic and strengthen its value proposition. The Company was recognized in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, where The Fresh Market was named the Best Supermarket in the United States for the fifth time, while also securing first place in four additional categories.
About Cencosud
Cencosud, whose purpose is to serve extraordinarily at every moment, is one of the largest and most respected retailers in the Americas. The Company operates in six countries, with more than 116,000 employees, 1,362 retail stores spanning over 3.5 million sqm of selling space, and 69 shopping centers with 2.5 million sqm of gross leasable area (GLA). Its multi-format strategy encompasses Supermarkets, Home Improvement, Department Stores, Shopping Centers, and Financial Services. Cencosud also drives innovative business lines, including Cencosud Media and Private Labels, leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience.
Contacts
José Tomás Martínez
jose.martinezvinagre@cencosud.cl
+56 9 8905 7972
