Yamilet Álvarez Tejo, head of the Commercial Department of Tiendas Caribe, expressed regret during the Mesa Redonda broadcast on Wednesday over the ridicule sparked by giving customers candy as change at the store located at 3rd and 70th in Havana. She defended this method as the only feasible option due to the lack of small change in dollars. Álvarez Tejo also clarified that other products are available at the cash registers for those who prefer alternatives to candy.
Addressing one of the "concerns" that emerged following the store's opening, Álvarez Tejo described the change issue as "inconvenient" and encouraged the use of electronic payment methods. "There has been a frequent tendency to mock and ridicule [...] but it’s not just about candy; other products are available at the registers to offer customers as compensation for their change," she stated.
She emphasized, "When paying in cash, giving change in cents or fractional currency is really not possible due to the unavailability of fractional currency, and this is a challenge." Randy Alonso noted that "in other partially dollarized economies, this happens too," although he did not provide specific examples.
Expansion of Dollar Stores Nationwide: More Candy on the Way
The Cuban government has announced the expansion of dollar stores throughout the country as part of a partial dollarization process of the economy. Ernesto Martínez, First Vice President of the CIMEX S.A. Corporation, highlighted this as a gradual effort to increase the presence of such stores, particularly in smaller markets that are easier to supply.
“For the integration of the stores, there is a consensus between CIMEX and Tiendas Caribe to open new supermarkets in small, easily supplyable markets. Especially those linked to the real estate sector and other projects that will promote wholesale and retail sales across the country but gradually," he explained.
This announcement comes amidst a complex economic backdrop characterized by the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy. The regime has assured that Free Convertible Currency (MLC) accounts will remain in the island's banks while defending the dollar's role in the economy. Critics argue that these measures, which include stores operating in a foreign currency, exacerbate inequalities, as a significant portion of the Cuban population lacks access to dollars and continues to earn salaries in the national currency.
The supermarket at 3rd and 70th, inaugurated this month in Miramar, Havana, was presented as "accessible" for the general population, despite the high dollar prices making it unaffordable for many Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Partial Dollarization
Why does the Cuban government give change in candy at dollar stores?
The Cuban government provides change in candy at dollar stores due to a lack of small change in dollars, offering it as the only viable option under current circumstances.
How are dollar stores impacting the Cuban economy?
Dollar stores are part of a partial dollarization process that critics argue increases economic inequality, as many Cubans do not have access to dollars.
What alternatives are available to candy for change in these stores?
Customers can choose from other products available at the cash registers if they prefer not to receive candy as change.