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With an investment of R$700 million, the shopping mall transformed a city. The project has the potential to generate 8 jobs, attract crowds and strengthen regional commerce. Does this economic impact really benefit all residents? Discover the details behind this revolution that has marked the local and national economy!
The beginning of the year is a time to look back at what has happened and understand the impacts that still echo in the present.
In January 2025, the Click Oil and Gas recalls one of the most remarkable news of 2024: the opening of Catuaí Shopping Cascavel, in Paraná.
More than a R$700 million undertaking, the project revolutionized the local economy, generating thousands of jobs and consolidating Paraná as a reference in job creation.
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The impact of a billion-dollar investment
Catuaí Shopping Cascavel, opened at the end of 2024, changed the economic and social dynamics of the western region of Paraná.
With more than R$700 million invested, the project brought an impressive structure: 270 stores distributed across 106 thousand square meters of total area, 83 thousand of which were built.
According to statements by the governor of Paraná, Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior, the project has the potential to create 8 thousand new jobs, 2 thousand direct and 6 thousand indirect.
“This shopping mall is yet another example of how the services sector is boosting the economy of Paraná,” said the governor, highlighting how Cascavel is strengthening itself as a regional development hub.
A structure designed for the entire community
It's not just a place to shop. Catuaí Shopping Cascavel is positioned as a multifunctional space, with leisure areas, education and diverse services.
According to Alfredo Khouri, president of Grupo Catuaí, the goal is to offer a complete experience. “Here, visitors find solutions for their daily lives, whether for shopping, food, health or entertainment,” he explained.
Highlights of the structure include:
- Gourmet space with capacity for more than 1.500 people;
- State-of-the-art cinema;
- Gym and supermarket;
- Exclusive spaces, such as a pet park and children's area.
Strategic location
Close to the Municipal Lake and the Cascavel Zoo, the shopping mall was designed to attract not only city residents, but also visitors from neighboring regions.
The expectation is that the project will receive around 30 thousand people per weekend, boosting local commerce and tourism.
Jobs and economic growth
The opening of the shopping mall created job opportunities in several areas.
According to Caged (General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons), Paraná led job creation in the South Region in 2024, with 152.898 new formal jobs between January and September.
The services sector was responsible for 77.750 of these hires, followed by industry and construction.
Employment Agencies have stepped up their efforts to refer candidates. Cashiers and salespeople were the most offered positions.
The Festval supermarket chain, one of Catuaí's anchor stores, alone created more than 200 jobs in Cascavel.
Paraná: a state on the rise
Paraná stands out on the national scene. Data from September 2024 show a positive balance of 14.828 new jobs, a growth of 67% compared to the same month in 2023.
Governor Ratinho Junior celebrated the results. “We are one of the states that generates the most jobs for women and young people in Brazil. Initiatives like Catuaí Shopping consolidate our role as a national reference.”
Catuaí Group: three decades of innovation
With over 30 years of experience, the Catuaí Group already manages five other shopping malls in Paraná.
According to Alfredo Khouri, the success of the venture in Cascavel reflects the expertise accumulated by the team.
“We are more than builders of shopping malls; we are catalysts for regional development,” said the executive.
Catuaí Cascavel is also accepting resumes directly. Interested parties can register on the shopping mall administration website to apply for the new vacancies.
Reflections for the future with the arrival of the shopping mall
The arrival of Catuaí Shopping Cascavel marks a new era for the city and the western region of Paraná. In addition to boosting the economy, the project transforms the panorama of the services and leisure sector.
But, in such a promising scenario, the question remains: Do the benefits generated by this type of investment really reach the entire population, or do they end up concentrated in certain sectors? Leave your opinion in the comments!
