A new private hardware store has opened its doors on Monte Street in Old Havana, amidst an urban environment marked by neglect, dirt, and poverty.
The store La Valía is located between Ángeles and Águila streets. It stands out for its large size, cleanliness, climate control, and a varied selection that ranges from tools and plumbing supplies to furniture, appliances, and imported beauty products.
However, what has impressed Cubans the most are the prices in this establishment, which seem completely disconnected from the purchasing power of most citizens.
The prices of La Valía
The hardware store sells washing machines for 65,000 CUP, televisions that exceed 150,000 CUP, and kitchen batteries for over 20,000 CUP.
An industrial fan costs 550,000 CUP, while a simple mobile charger is offered at 10,000 CUP and a rechargeable flashlight at 36,000 CUP.
You can also find products such as a sink faucet for 1,800 CUP, headphones for 6,600 CUP, or a dining set for 152,000 CUP. The store also offers watches and cosmetic products from Asian brands such as O’ujiashi and Roushun.
Whose business is this in Havana?
There is no detailed public information about the entity, but the business operates under a retail model, as promoted in a WhatsApp group, despite being advertised as a "wholesale sale" during its construction phase.
La Valía does not appear in the official list of micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, nor does it have a website, which is common among many newly established private businesses. It has a Facebook page and the mentioned messaging group as communication channels.
For months, residents and passersby in the area have observed the rapid progress of the building's renovation, which stands in stark contrast to the usual inertia of most projects in Havana.
The transformation of this space—previously dominated by ruins—into a modern and well-stocked store has raised suspicions, particularly due to the lack of transparency regarding its ownership and operation.
Prices versus wages in Cuba
Prices, although slightly lower than those offered by resellers or on platforms like Revolico, remain inaccessible for the average Cuban.
The minimum wage in Cuba since 2021 is 2,100 CUP, according to a resolution from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Pensions range between 1,528 and 1,733 CUP, and the average monthly salary in 2024 was just 5,839 CUP, according to figures from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
Even in Havana, which recorded the highest average income at 6,449 CUP, it is impossible to access most of the products in this store.
Moreover, the official exchange rate (24 CUP per dollar) was never actually upheld. This Friday, the dollar on the informal market was trading at 378 CUP, making the prices of items for sale at La Valía even more absurd.
In a city where it is increasingly difficult to survive, the emergence of stores like this—opulent, well-stocked, and shielded from the economic reality of the population—serves as a snapshot of the enormous inequalities that deepen day by day in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Outrageous Prices in Hardware Stores and Economic Inequalities in Cuba
Why are the prices at La Valía hardware store in Havana so high?
The prices at La Valía are outrageous due to their disconnection from the purchasing power of most Cubans, who earn very low salaries compared to the cost of the products sold there. The average salary in Cuba is insufficient to afford the majority of the items in this store.
What impact does dollarization have on the Cuban economy?
Dollarization in Cuba exacerbates economic inequalities, as only those with access to foreign currencies can purchase products in stores that operate exclusively in dollars. This leaves the majority of the population with incomes in Cuban pesos in a situation of vulnerability and exclusion from the formal market.
How does the current economic situation affect retirees in Cuba?
Retirees in Cuba are one of the groups most affected by inflation and high prices of goods and services. With monthly pensions that do not exceed 1,733 CUP, many retirees cannot afford basic products or essential services, such as a simple haircut that can cost more than what they receive in a month.
What are the consequences of the opening of dollar stores in Cuba?
The opening of stores that only accept dollars exacerbates the socioeconomic divide in Cuba. These stores are beyond the reach of most citizens, who do not have access to foreign currency, creating a parallel consumption system that accentuates inequality and social exclusion.
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