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The reopening of the Variedades Siboney store in Villa Clara, now under a dollar sales model, has sparked controversy on social media.
Users criticized that, after being out of stock for a long time, it suddenly opens its doors overnight with a large quantity of products, but these are intended for sale in dollars.
The announcement, made by the Tiendas CARIBE Villa Clara page on Facebook, outlined that the store will offer hygiene products, food, beverages, cleaning products, household items, and appliances, and will only accept payments with VISA, MasterCard, MIR, and Bandec prepaid cards.
The publication has sparked outrage among the population of that territory, who allege that the regime now favors individuals who possess dollars or euros.
Among the criticism, the user Maydelis Menéndez Gómez described the reopening as "a complete lack of respect" and reminded everyone that just a few days ago the store was nearly empty, but now "poof, products appeared for those who have dollars."
He also joked about the practice of giving change in candy and referenced the official discourse on the economic situation: “I won't forget that this is temporary!!! And well, we are the continuation... of misery.”
Another user, Maidelys Rojas de la Paz, expressed her outrage at the reopening, pointing out the contradiction between the lack of products in the previous MLC stores and the sudden abundance in this new format:
"Honestly, I'm speechless, and the other stores that used to operate with MLC have nothing, not even air conditioning for the workers, and yet here there is," he commented, questioning the distribution of resources.
He also referred to the system for reloading MLC cards, criticizing that customers can only deposit one dollar with a minimum recharge of five USD, which forces them to rely on remittances from abroad.
"Nothing, sir, we are making progress and that hurts them. Up above, to get the card, 5 USD and they only give you one dollar, and from there you have to fill it up from abroad," he joked, reflecting the discomfort of many Cubans regarding their dependence on remittances to access basic products.
Similarly, Yahimy Rodríguez Nápoles reacted sarcastically to the reopening of the MLC store, noting the deepening of the dollarization process in Cuba: "The USD season is open! But don’t worry, the dollarization is partial!" she wrote, alluding to the government's promises that the use of the dollar would not be widespread.
Additionally, he mocked the lack of coherence in the regime's economic measures, recalling that it was initially claimed that not all stores in CUC would transition to MLC, but reality has proven otherwise.
"It's the second season of the series," he commented, comparing the current situation to the gradual disappearance of the convertible peso (CUC) and the increasing exclusion of those who do not have access to foreign currencies.
The Centro Comercial Altahabana, part of the state-owned Tiendas Caribe chain, has reopened its doors under a new sales format: exclusively in dollars.
This reopening is part of the recent trend of the Cuban government to expand businesses that operate exclusively in foreign currency. In January 2025, the Supermercado de 3ra y 70 opened, the first to implement this payment method, which generated criticism as the majority of Cubans receive their salaries in pesos and do not have access to these currencies.
Recently, the Cuban government inaugurated a new dollar market in the center of the country, following the same strategy. These establishments are well-stocked, while the stores in Cuban pesos are facing shortages, causing unrest among the population.
Additionally, the Ministry of Domestic Trade has promoted the opening of more dollar stores, stating that they aim to attract foreign currency to supply the country. However, economists warn that this exacerbates inequality and restricts the majority of Cubans' access to essential goods.
Regarding this phenomenon, the economist Pedro Monreal has pointed out that the partial dollarization in Cuba creates an economic segmentation that excludes those who do not have access to foreign currency, exacerbating the crisis and failing to address the structural issues of the economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Opening of Dollar Stores in Cuba
Why does the opening of dollar stores in Cuba generate criticism?
The opening of dollar stores in Cuba generates criticism because it exacerbates economic inequality, as the majority of Cubans receive their salaries in pesos and do not have easy access to foreign currencies. This limits their ability to purchase essential products that are only available in these stores, creating a parallel market that leaves many citizens on the sidelines.
What products are sold in dollar stores in Cuba?
The dollarized stores in Cuba offer a wide range of products, including hygiene items, food, beverages, cleaning products, household goods, and appliances. These products are available only to those who can pay in dollars, whether in cash or via international bank cards.
What is the payment method in the new dollar stores?
In the new dollar stores in Cuba, payments are made exclusively in US dollars, either in cash or using international bank cards such as VISA and MasterCard. This excludes the use of the freely convertible currency (MLC), which was previously accepted in some establishments.
How does partial dollarization affect the Cuban economy?
The partial dollarization affects the Cuban economy by deepening economic distortions and increasing inequalities. While the government seeks to raise foreign currency to sustain the economy, the majority of the population, which receives their salary in Cuban pesos, is increasingly finding it difficult to access basic products, leading to discontent and criticism of the regime.
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