Cuba: Send Food, Appliances & More | 3ra Y 70 Shop
Can a simple grocery store tell a much larger story about a nation's economy and its citizens' daily struggles? The story of the 3ra y 70 supermarket in Havana, Cuba, is precisely that: a microcosm of the island's complex economic realities.
Nestled in the heart of Miramar, a district known for its residential beauty and proximity to key locations like the H10 Panorama Hotel, Quinta Avenida, and various recreational centers and embassies, the 3ra y 70 stands as a one-story supermarket. It's a seemingly unremarkable place, but its operations and the experiences of those who shop there reveal a great deal about the challenges faced by Cubans in the current economic climate. The store is located at 3ra and 70 in Havana, Cuba.
| Name: | 3ra y 70 Supermarket |
| Location: | Miramar, Havana, Cuba (specifically at the intersection of 3ra and 70 streets) |
| Type: | Supermarket/Grocery Store |
| Key Feature: | Operates in MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) and USD, with a limited acceptance of payment methods |
| Products Offered: | National and international products, including food, personal care items, appliances, hardware, construction materials, and auto/motorcycle parts. |
| Payment Methods: | USD cash, international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and possibly the new Clsica card) |
| Key Issue: | Limited access for most Cubans due to the requirement of USD or foreign currency-linked cards. |
| Notable Aspect: | Located across from the former "Diplotienda" which also operated in MLC. |
| Date of Establishment: | (Not explicitly mentioned, but referenced in the context of the resolution 50 of March 7, 2018) |
| Associated Entities: | Subordinated to the Caribe store chain, the Grupo de Administracin Empresarial, and the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). |
| Websites: | envioscuba.ca (for online purchases and sending goods to Cuba) |
The opening of 3ra y 70 by the Cuban government in Havana, particularly opposite the older establishment operating in the Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC), underscores a strategic shift in the retail landscape. Unlike its predecessor, the new supermarket offers a wide selection of both domestic and imported goods. However, it operates exclusively in U.S. dollars or through cards linked to foreign currency accounts. This limitation immediately creates a divide, making it difficult for a significant portion of the Cuban population to access its goods and services.
The location, described as being "very picturesque" and situated in a prime area of Miramar, suggests an attempt to cater to a specific demographic: those with access to foreign currency, whether through remittances, tourism, or other channels. The proximity to the H10 Panorama Hotel, Quinta Avenida, and various embassies supports this notion. This positioning highlights the economic disparities within Cuban society.
The goods offered within the supermarket range from everyday staples like food and hygiene products to appliances, hardware, and even construction materials and auto parts. This comprehensive selection is designed to meet a wide array of consumer needs. However, the exclusivity of the payment methods significantly restricts who can benefit from this availability.
Numerous businesses, such as those advertised through "Envios a Cuba" or "Lapuntilla.ca," recognize this demand and provide services for sending essential items to Cuba. These services facilitate the transfer of food, personal care products, appliances, and other necessities to loved ones on the island.
The presence of the 3ra y 70, operating under the guidelines of the Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), demonstrates how the Cuban government manages aspects of its economy and trade. The establishment is subject to regulations and procedures dictated by these entities.
The contrast between the 3ra y 70 and the former "Diplotienda," which also operated in MLC, reveals a broader evolution in the country's retail sector. A significant shift occurred towards the end of 2019, when the introduction of MLC stores began. Initially, only a limited number of establishments offered products under these conditions, predominantly focused on appliances and auto parts.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the 3ra y 70 and similar stores is the pricing. Prices in these stores often exceed those found in capitalist countries. This pricing structure reflects the economic challenges, limitations and restrictions imposed on the citizens of Cuba. This has ignited significant debate and criticism across social media.
The emergence of online purchasing and delivery services, offered by sites like DimeCuba and EnviosCuba.ca, further illustrates the adaptations Cubans have made to overcome these economic barriers. These services allow for the purchase of products, from electronics and household items to food and personal care items, with options for both in-store pickup and home delivery across the island. The convenience and accessibility offered by these services are crucial for a population navigating a complex economic environment.
The supermarkets integration into the broader economic landscape is significant. It is linked to the Cuban government's approach to trade and the control over currency exchange. This includes the utilization of MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) as a currency, a practice designed to attract foreign investment and trade. The governments implementation of the MLC, combined with the operation of stores such as 3ra y 70, is a reflection of the economic policies enacted by the government and their impact on the Cuban people.
The economic hardships faced by many Cubans are further highlighted by the devaluation of the Cuban Peso. With the national currency's value plummeting, coupled with the recent banking reforms, the minimum wage, set by the "economic ordering," translates to a mere $8.75 USD per month. This economic reality underscores the challenges faced by those who do not have access to foreign currency.
The supermarket 3ra y 70, therefore, is more than a place to buy groceries. It's a window into the intricacies of Cuba's economy, a space that embodies the struggles, and the ingenuity of its people as they navigate the complexities of their everyday lives.
