Introduction to Grupo La Comer and its Response to Labor Law Changes
Grupo La Comer, a prominent chain of supermarkets in Mexico, is advocating for more flexible work arrangements to adapt to recent labor law changes. The company’s Director of Finances, Rogelio Garza, believes that implementing flexible work hours, such as hourly-based and half-time shifts, will help them become more efficient in managing operational costs.
Key Labor Law Changes in Mexico
Among the new labor regulations, Garza highlighted two significant changes:
- Increased Minimum Wage: The minimum wage has increased by 12% at the beginning of 2025.
- Ley Silla: This law, effective since July 17, mandates employers to provide seating with backrest for employees to take rests during their workday.
Additionally, there is a gradual reduction of the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030.
Grupo La Comer’s Adaptation Strategies
Garza explained that these changes compel the company to improve efficiency, boost productivity, and leverage technological advancements. In preparation for the reduced workweek to 40 hours, Grupo La Comer has been redesigning job positions.
Although Garza views the labor changes positively, as they provide employees with more free time and improve their quality of life, he emphasized that current strategies are insufficient to control labor costs.
“As long as these cost increases aren’t offset by productivity improvements, there comes a point where margins are affected, with expenses growing significantly above inflation, which in turn impacts profitability,” Garza explained.
He estimated that, in the medium term, their margins or profits will either remain stable or be marginally lower than previous years.
Launch of La Comer Card Banamex
On Monday, Grupo La Comer unveiled a new credit card in collaboration with Banamex and Mastercard, aiming to enhance customer loyalty.
The card will be available across all 90 La Comer stores and initially targeted at the over 1.1 million active customers of Monedero Naranja, a customer loyalty program offered by the supermarket chain. The program rewards customers for their purchases.
Benefits of La Comer Card Banamex
- 10% Discount: Customers receive a 10% discount on their first purchase.
- 3% Bonus: A 3% bonus is given on all purchases made at La Comer, directly credited to the Monedero Naranja.
- 1% Bonus Outside La Comer: A 1% bonus is offered on purchases made outside of La Comer stores.
- Cashback and Special Payment Terms: Customers earn cashback and benefit from interest-free payment plans in all Grupo La Comer formats, including Fresko and City Market.
According to Garza, customers using Monedero Naranja spend, on average, 50% more than non-members. Half of the sales in Grupo La Comer’s stores originate from purchases made using this credit card.
