Supermarkets Turn to Military and Seniors as Worker Shortage Deepens in Brazil

Brazil’s supermarket industry, one of the country’s largest employers, faces a serious worker shortage even as the economy grows.

Official data from the Brazilian Supermarket Association shows that supermarkets made R$1.067 trillion (about $180 billion) in sales in 2024. This sector supports more than 9 million jobs across Brazil.

Yet, as of March 2025, over 350,000 supermarket jobs are still open. Brazil’s job market looks strong on paper. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.6% in early 2025, the lowest in a decade.

More people have formal jobs, and average earnings rose to R$3,410 per month, which is about 4% higher than last year. However, these positive trends make it harder for supermarkets to find new workers.

Many people now have better job options or prefer work with more flexible hours. Supermarkets are trying new ways to hire. Some work with the Brazilian Army to recruit young people finishing their military service.

Others look for older workers, including those over 60, who want to stay active. Despite these efforts, stores still struggle to fill jobs like cashier, shelf stocker, and store clerk. This shortage can lead to longer lines, slower service, and more stress for current employees.

The problem is not limited to supermarkets. Construction and factories also report trouble finding skilled workers. According to the Brazilian Institute of Economics, 54.5% of industry leaders say it is hard to find qualified staff.

Many young people now choose jobs in delivery apps or other flexible work instead of traditional roles. This shortage matters for everyone. Supermarkets serve about 30 million customers every day.

If they cannot find enough workers, it could mean higher prices and less convenience for shoppers. For businesses, it shows the need to offer better training and find new ways to attract employees.

More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

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