The state chain Tiendas Caribe has launched a campaign to encourage sales in its establishments for Mother's Day, inviting Cubans to "enjoy" its offers, which few will have access to.
In their social media, featuring photos of the products they sell, they encourage Cubans to visit the stores to buy a gift for their mothers.
"We are celebrating the Mother's Day campaign at PV La Favorita. Visit us and enjoy the variety of offers we have," they wrote. The message has been repeated for the various sales points in the capital.
The chain of stores has also noted the ridiculous antics of its store employees.
In Isle of Youth, they created, with soaps, the phrase "Happy day, mom".
The offers from Caribe, mainly for hygiene products, will be addressed to those who can afford the products, which exceed the basic salary on the Island.
Many of the stores in that chain have been converted to the dollar payment mode without prior notice, causing frustration and discontent among the citizens.
Although CIMEX and Tiendas Caribe had claimed that stores accepting dollars would not exceed 7% of the total, the current figure far surpasses that threshold.
In Cuba, at least 85 stores operate exclusively in US dollars. They do not accept payments in freely convertible currency (MLC) or in Cuban pesos (CUP); they only receive cash dollars or authorized cards, such as Clásica, AIS, and Tropical from the Banco de Crédito y Comercio (Bandec).
This process of dollarization limits access for Cubans to basic products, as many do not have access to foreign currency. While dollar stores are well-stocked, those operating in national currency face shortages, which heightens frustration and social unrest.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tiendas Caribe Campaign and Dollarization in Cuba
What is the Tiendas Caribe campaign for Mother's Day?
The state chain Tiendas Caribe has launched a campaign for Mother's Day, inviting Cubans to "enjoy" their offers in their stores. However, these offers are mostly aimed at those who can afford products in dollars, which limits access for many Cubans.
How does dollarization affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Dollarization limits access to basic products for many Cubans, as they can only be purchased in stores that accept dollars. This generates frustration, since the majority of the population receives their salary in Cuban pesos and does not have access to foreign currency.
How many stores in Cuba operate exclusively in dollars?
Currently, at least 85 stores in Cuba operate exclusively in U.S. dollars, significantly exceeding the initial projections of not surpassing 7% of the total establishments in this format.
Why is the Cuban government promoting dollarization?
The Cuban government promotes dollarization as part of a strategy to increase foreign currency collection in the context of an economic crisis. However, this measure has been criticized for deepening inequality and failing to address the structural issues of the Cuban economy.
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