Compre aqui, bom e barato! As redes e o comércio nas feiras de confecção do estado do Ceará

Abstract

Street markets constitute commercial modalities that, even with all the transformations occurring in the forms of merchandise distribution, have survived and gain a relevant role in the economic and social dynamics of the places where they operate. They forge territorialities and go beyond the physical limits of their installation. Given their strong regional visibility, this study focuses on the apparel trade network in Ceará, with particular attention to the José Avelino Cluster in Fortaleza and the open-air markets of8 São Benedito, Ipu, and Aprazível (Sobral). The selection of these sites is justified by the spatial reach of their products, which circulate across neighboring municipalities and adjacent states, thereby consolidating a network of local, regional, and national significance. The dynamics of apparel commerce within these markets operate not merely as trading hubs, but as strategic nodes within an extended commercial network capable of mobilizing commodity flows across Brazil’s four macro-regions. Accordingly, the research examined these dynamics through the analytical lens of geographical trade networks, focusing on the circulation of goods, consumption patterns, and the power relations underpinning the spatial organization and management of these marketplaces. As specific objectives, it sought to: discuss the dynamics of garment fairs from the theoretical perspective of the relationship between commerce and space; analyze the networks and flows of goods and people generated by the garment trade; characterize the economic and social agents who produce the space of the fairs based on commercial and consumption practices; understand the role of Public Authorities, associations, and stallholders in the organization and management of the space of these marketplaces. Methodologically, the theoretical framework relies on an extensive literature review, which provides the foundation for the thesis. A mixed-methods approach—combining quantitative and qualitative procedures—was adopted to identify, measure, and interpret the empirical data. The narratives of key actors—including traders, consumers, and market administrators—were integral to data collection and supported by photographic documentation, both of which contributed substantially to the empirical construction of the thesis. The findings highlight the emergence of a robust apparel supply network originating in the state capital and extending deep into Ceará’s hinterlands, sustaining a commercial system that transcends state borders and reinforces the multi-scalar interconnectedness of urban and regional markets.