Honduras - Distribution and Sales Channels Honduras - Distribution and Sales
Distribution channels in Honduras are similar to those in the United States, although Honduras has fewer levels of distribution and a limited number of specialty, chain, and department stores. New construction in retail centers like large shopping malls and strip malls, as well as the expansion of established retail stores in urban areas, are a good indicator of opportunities in the retail distribution sector in Honduras.
Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are the major distribution centers for imported products. Puerto Cortés, the largest deepwater port in Central America, is the most active logistics center in Honduras. Honduras has a 13,603 kilometers (km) official road network connecting the ports and airports with the secondary cities and rural areas of the country.
The local market has been traditionally highly-receptive to U.S. products and services. To increase the success of a solid market penetration, U.S. exporters should consider establishing a relationship with a local partner, agent or even open a regional sales office. U.S. firms will find that in most cases, securing a single distributor or representative is sufficient to cover the entire Honduran territory.
Representatives and distributors tend to carry broad lines of goods on a non-exclusive basis. The number of full-service local distributors that stock large inventories of parts and equipment are limited. Many local buyers make direct contacts with U.S. suppliers at the factory or warehouse level. Store owners often buy goods in small lots from export brokers or they buy from wholesalers in the United States, particularly in Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Houston.