The Cuban YouTuber Michel Crónicas, who resides in Mexico and is currently visiting Cuba, decided to document his experience at the supermarket located at 3rd and 70 in Havana, a store that only accepts dollars and has been dubbed on social media as the "Walmart of Cuba."
Michel, who traveled to Cuba to accompany his mother and stepfather back after they had been on vacation in Mexico with him, visited the recently opened supermarket located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Cuban capital.
In a video shared on his social media, Michel expressed his surprise at the high prices and the lack of essential products. "It's not easy, it's not easy this supermarket in Cuba, where a piece of cheese costs $77 and a piece of meat costs over $100," he stated during his tour of the store aisles.
He also pointed out the scarcity of products in various areas of the supermarket. "Many places, many refrigerators, many empty spaces... it's charged in a currency that Cubans don't have, that Cubans don't earn," he stated. In his video, he displayed shelves with national rum at "unaffordable" prices, empty refrigerators, and a butcher shop where only ham was available. "The butchers are cutting only ham, which is all there is," he noted.
Michel also highlighted the presence of soft drinks and national beers that, according to him, "had never been seen in Cuba before." However, he criticized the lack of variety in the product offerings. "Basically, there are many aisles with soft drinks, bottles of water, boxes of puree, a lot of canned goods, but there is very little protein," he said.
Michel continued his tour, showing the refrigerators for dairy products. "Look, this is the frozen section, where the yogurts are. That type of butter is completely empty," he said, pointing to a nearly deserted shelf. He also displayed several boxes of products scattered in the aisles, indicating that the supermarket's stock was inconsistent.
The video by Michel Crónicas sparked a wave of reactions on social media, both on TikTok and YouTube. Many users expressed outrage over supermarket prices and the contradiction that exclusive stores are opened in Cuba for those who have access to dollars. "And how do you buy it if you earn $20 a month? I don't understand anything about Cuba," commented a user on TikTok. Another questioned, "If no one can buy it, why are those products still being offered?"
Other users made comparisons to supermarkets in other countries and criticized the label of "Walmart of Cuba." "This has nothing to do with Walmart, Michel. How sad!" commented one user on YouTube. "It's a mockery for Cubans," another added.
Some also warned about possible repercussions against the influencer. "Be careful, Michel. You could be reported for exposing the economic failure of a country lacking freedom and democracy," wrote one user.
A supermarket in dollars, prohibitive for many Cubans
The supermarket at 3rd and 70 has been a subject of controversy since its opening. Previously, the influencer Rosy Wanderlust also visited the store and expressed her disappointment: "I was told this was like a Walmart and I feel cheated because it has nothing to do with that. There are no deals here, no promotions, no variety."
On his part, the Cuban comedian Jardiel addressed the situation with irony, stating in a video that the place "looks like a temple and inside reigns San Dólar", referring to the dependence of Cubans on remittances to access these products.
The market at 3rd and 70 is part of the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel and is managed by the MGM Muthu Hotels chain and the Gaviota group, which is associated with the Cuban government. It only accepts cash payments in dollars or prepaid cards from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 3rd and 70 Supermarket in Havana
Why is the supermarket at 3rd and 70 called the "Walmart of Cuba"?
The supermarket at 3rd and 70 has been referred to as the "Walmart of Cuba" due to its concept of offering a wide variety of products in a modern and well-stocked store. However, both the YouTuber Michel Crónicas and other visitors have criticized this comparison, stating that the establishment lacks the variety and affordable prices characteristic of Walmart, in addition to only accepting payments in dollars, a currency that the majority of Cubans do not possess.
What criticism has the supermarket at 3rd and 70 received?
The supermarket has been criticized for its high prices and the lack of essential products. Visitors have pointed out that many shelves are empty and that products are sold in a currency that is inaccessible to most Cubans. Furthermore, it is seen as a symbol of economic inequality in Cuba, as access is limited to those who receive remittances or have income in dollars.
How are payments managed at the supermarket on 3rd and 70?
The supermarket at 3rd and 70 only accepts payments in dollars. Customers can pay in cash or using prepaid cards from abroad, which excludes most Cubans who do not have access to these currencies. This policy has been criticized for perpetuating inequality in access to basic consumer goods on the island.
What impact does the opening of this supermarket have on the Cuban economy?
The opening of the supermarket at 3rd and 70 has exacerbated the dollarization of the Cuban economy. By focusing on sales in dollars, the supermarket reflects the deep economic inequalities in the country and worsens the crisis for those who rely on earnings in Cuban pesos. This phenomenon has also impacted the informal currency market, causing fluctuations in the value of the dollar within the island.
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