3rd and 70th supermarket reduces activity as shelves show fewer goods
The Havana store, once known for its initial stock, now has nearly empty refrigerators and fewer customers.
The supermarket at 3rd and 70th in Havana's Playa municipality is experiencing shortages that contrast with its first months. Once known for product availability, it now has nearly empty refrigerators, little shelf variety and fewer shoppers. A lack of tourists and problems paying with foreign cards are among the factors linked to reduced activity.
Pablo waits outside on his electric tricycle hoping shoppers will ask him to carry bags home, but on the described day he receives no such work. He says many people already know the store's condition and few visit, limiting rides from the entrance.
Meat availability is another indicator. Pablo says few new products arrive and some items remaining in refrigerators have been there for a long time because demand is low. Shortages therefore affect replenishment and variety as well as customer volume.
The change is striking because the store opened to capture foreign currency and sell goods difficult to find in other state shops. Its early broad selection has given way to quieter aisles and limited options. Fewer visitors, foreign-card restrictions and shortages all affect a business dependent on dollar purchases.