The visit of a Cuban to the store in dollars in Holguín has generated reactions on social media after sharing his experience and highlighting the high prices in comparison to average wages in Cuba.
TikTok user @danybelett toured the store, showcasing the long lines, the high demand for basic products, and prices that are unaffordable for many Cubans.
In his video, the young man recounted that upon arriving at the store, he found a crowd of people buying detergents and toilet paper. However, what shocked him the most were the prices of some products, such as a broom priced at $5.65 and a conditioner whose price left him astonished.
"We woke up to the news that several supermarkets had opened in Holguín, and we went to check it out. But something that cannot be missing in Cuba: the lines. There was a really big line, and let me tell you that people were taking these detergents by the bag," he commented at the beginning of the video shared a few hours ago on his profile.
"The purchase of this experiment, because it is an experiment, was more than a salary. It’s not possible here in Cuba," he commented in the video, where he also joked about the high prices of some items. "If I tell my mom that this broom cost 5.65, I’d rather sweep with a palm frond."
In the comments on the post, users expressed their outrage at the high costs. "Oh my God! A salary for five little soups?" one commented. "Disgraceful, hoarding," another user said. "There’s literally nothing," pointed out another. "How much is the salary in USD?" asked someone else, to which the video creator replied, "15-20 USD monthly."
This type of supermarket is part of the Cuban government's strategy to attract foreign currency amid an economic crisis. In recent months, several stores have been reopened under the same model, and the Ministry of Internal Trade (MINCIN) has announced the opening of 50 new dollarized stores in the coming months.
The Maravilla Shopping Center in Havana operates exclusively in dollars. The Variedades Siboney store in Villa Clara, which had been out of stock for months, reappeared with products only in dollars, sparking outrage among the population.
In Holguín, the first dollar store opened amid a blackout, highlighting the precariousness of the system. The Cuban youtuber Katy Catarina, known as Aprendedora, also visited the store in Holguín and shared her experience. Despite bringing a 10-dollar bill, she decided not to buy anything. "What we saw was the same as what was in MLC, but in dollars. And at the same prices; there wasn't much of a difference. So it was a bit disappointing because the dollar is more expensive," she stated in her video.
He also criticized the practice of giving change in candies. "I wanted to buy a hair gel that cost just over a dollar, and of course, I wasn't willing to accept candies instead of the proper change in cash."
Experts have warned that the expansion of dollar stores exacerbates social inequality in Cuba. Economist Pedro Monreal noted that this strategy "reinforces economic distortions", since the majority of Cubans receive their salary in pesos and not in dollars.
Meanwhile, the stores that operate in national currency and in MLC continue to face a serious shortage, which reinforces the perception of exclusion for those who do not have access to foreign currencies.
Social discontent is growing due to what many consider an exclusive economic policy, which does not address the country's structural problems but instead broadens the gap between those who have access to dollars and those who depend on the Cuban peso.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Situation in Cuba and Dollar Stores
Why are prices in dollar stores in Cuba so high?
The prices in dollar stores in Cuba are high due to the government's strategy to attract foreign currency amidst the economic crisis. This creates a significant disparity between product prices and the average salaries on the island, which are much lower and generally in Cuban pesos.
How does the expansion of dollar stores affect the Cuban population?
The expansion of dollar stores in Cuba deepens social inequality, as most Cubans receive their salaries in pesos and do not have access to foreign currency. This creates a sense of exclusion for those who rely solely on the Cuban peso for their daily purchases.
What alternatives do Cubans have to acquire basic products in light of high prices in dollars?
Many Cubans rely on remittances and shipments of products from abroad as an alternative to acquire basic goods. However, these practices are not free from criticism, as some argue that they encourage the economic dependence of the island.
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