Everything you need to know about Children's Day, on Aconcagua Radio

Children's Day will be celebrated in Argentina on August 17th, the third Sunday of the month. Gustavo Fernández, president of the Mendoza Chamber of Bookstores and Toy Stores, confirmed this toAconcagua Radio, dispelling doubts generated by changes to the electoral schedule that affected this date in previous years.

“There has been a lot of talk about this topic over the last three months,” Fernández explained. “Before, when the primaries were held, Children's Day was moved to the third Sunday. Now that they've been suspended, many thought it would return to the second Sunday, but that wasn't the case. It was all speculation and rumors. This year, it's staying on the third Sunday: it falls on August 17.”

Fernández also detailed the evolution of this event: “More than 20 years ago, Children's Day was the first Sunday in August. But since many people didn't get paid at that point in the month, it was moved to the second. Then, with the emergence of the PASO (Primary Elections), it was moved back to the third. This year there are no primary elections, but there was no official resolution changing the date either.”

When asked how the toy industry is preparing for this key date, Fernández was clear: “It's one of the most important for the industry. We've been preparing for some time. There's a lot of merchandise available, even imported, due to the relaxation of some parameters. Prices are fairly stable, and there have even been some drops.”

However, the economic situation warrants caution. “We have expectations, but we are aware of the deep crisis in the pockets of Argentine families,” he noted. “That's why we didn't make any crazy or large purchases. We know people have other priorities, although many are still making an effort to give gifts.”

Regarding public preferences, Fernández indicated that it is still early to establish a clear trend. “There is still little research. Most families wait until after August 10th to see how they will perform on the 17th. These days, the months are dragging on. The bulk of sales will likely be between Thursday the 14th and Saturday the 16th.”

What is clear is the growth of technology as a gift option. "It has taken a fairly large place in the ranking of products consumed by children," he stated.

Regarding the "Night of the Toy Stores," which is being promoted from Buenos Aires for August 8, Fernández explained: "It's an initiative of the Argentine Toy Chamber. It's usually held in Buenos Aires, but that doesn't prevent toy stores from other provinces from joining in with their own promotions or offers."

In Mendoza, according to the president of the Chamber, special initiatives are already being prepared: "There are promotions planned by banks with credit cards and others that are initiatives of the merchants themselves, with discounts or interest-free installments. Each business will decide how they can participate."

Regarding last year's figures, Fernández recalled: "On Three Kings' Day, the average purchase was around 82,000 pesos, and on Children's Day, there wasn't much difference. It was a year of stable or slightly variable prices, so we believe a similar figure could be repeated this year."

Finally, he emphasized the importance of the date for the sector's sustainability: "We need to sell, pay our taxes, and cover our fixed costs. If there are no sales, the situation becomes much more difficult."

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