What Bolsonaro’s Win Might Mean for Brazilian Retail, FashionAnalysts believe the victory could boost the economy — and thus help retailers — but designers worry the new president's far-right policies could impact creative freedom.

[Collection]MEXICO CITY – Designers and retail analysts have offered mixed reactions to Jair Bolsonaro’s controversial win of Brazil’s presidency — a victory that could revive the beleaguered economy but, some observers contend, also jeopardize democracy and minority rights. Investors welcomed Bolsonaro’s landslide win late last month, lifting stocks and the slumping Brazilian currency, the real, because many see him as the best candidate to help lift Latin America’s largest economy from a devastating, four-year recession. The far-right leader intends to pursue a raft of structural reforms, cut corporate and individual taxes and privatize ailing state enterprises that have been plagued with corruption. Analysts said his plans to lower taxes could be a boon for retailers, which are eking out a slow recovery after the worst recession on record forced them to close 40,000 stores amid huge losses. Bolsonaro, who some call “Brazil’s Trump” because he has insulted women and minorities, has also promised to cut the country’s huge import barriers and expand its free trade agreements. “It all depends on what he ends up doing,” said Giovana Scottini, an analyst who covers leading fashion retailers Lojas Riachuelo, Lojas Renner and footwear chain Arezzo. “If he can pursue the reforms and improve the economy and

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