A survey by Colombia's retail guild (Fenalco) found that neighborhood stores are under serious financial pressure in early 2026. Consumer purchasing power has fallen sharply, with half of shop owners reporting customers have fewer resources, while nearly half of merchants report declining profit margins. The main threat is rising operating costs—60% of shop owners spend more than 10% of monthly income on rent and utilities alone. Crime has also surged, with 64% reporting increased insecurity and forcing many to install security measures or close earlier. Although stores retain advantages like customer proximity and credit services, the sector is in survival mode rather than growth.