The CIMEX Corporation is urging its clientele to report any corruption through its official customer service channels. Recently, the corporation emphasized that it remains committed to strengthening control measures to reduce instances of corruption and illegal activities. "We appreciate that these are reported through our official customer service channels, allowing us to take immediate action," the statement concluded.
The announcement included a screenshot of a corruption report from the "Cibeles" store in Havana. This incident first came to light via independent media following a social media post by the president of the Rampa Neighborhood Council. After the report went viral, CIMEX revealed through Cubadebate that three employees were penalized and dismissed due to detected irregularities concerning the sale of items like chicken liver and popular cigarettes.
It was discovered that chicken liver was sold in bulk to one customer and store employees, rather than being evenly distributed among the population. Additionally, the store manager allowed employees to purchase popular cigarettes, violating the corporation's established rules.
Public Reaction to CIMEX's Official Reporting Request
Many internet users expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these official channels in the comments section of CIMEX's announcement. Some believe the corporation aims to keep reports from reaching social media, where they gain the publicity necessary for correcting corruption. Otherwise, they fear the issues remain unsolved within the dubious framework of the corporation's internal resolutions, leaving the average Cuban uninformed.
Customer Service Complaints: A Persistent Issue in CIMEX Stores
Customer mistreatment in CIMEX stores has been a recurring issue, according to some comments on the publication. The lack of professionalism and poor attitude of certain employees have made shopping a frustrating experience. "They should offer a customer service training course, like at the store on 70 and 21. I went there last Sunday, and after the power came back on, the cashier was in a bad mood. She rudely told me there was no power, yet the refrigerators and POS were working," shared a customer who experienced mistreatment.
Such incidents occur frequently without visible consequences or improvements in customer service.
TuEnvío: Unfulfilled Promises and Inefficient Refund System
Online shopping through TuEnvío has become a consistent source of frustration for customers, who report issues with product delivery and a cumbersome refund process. "You pay for the combo upfront, and when you go to pick it up, you're told the sale was oversold and my order was among those," complained one user.
Although CIMEX advises that complaints should be made through official channels, in reality, customer service lines either don't respond or bounce the complaint from one entity to another without offering concrete solutions. "After all the hassle, when you finally get through, the runaround begins: it's the Metropolitan Bank that must refund the money because CIMEX has done its part. It's an endless cycle," noted another frustrated shopper.
Challenges in Accessing Financial Services
Customers also complain about the inability to check balances on classic foreign currency cards. "It's impossible to reach the operators; they're always busy. It seems they don't have enough staff to meet the demand," lamented a user trying to verify their balance without success.
The situation worsens when combined with understaffing and malfunctioning IT systems. "I hope this complaint leads to a thorough analysis, because the situation is unsustainable," the affected individual concluded.
The Debate on Dollarization and GAESA's Expansion
Beyond the specific service issues at CIMEX, citizens also question the increasing dollarization of the Cuban economy and GAESA's growing role in controlling the country's resources. "When will they address the issue of salaries in CUP and selling in dollars at the stores? I think this is more serious than anything else," a user commented, highlighting concerns about the economic inequality this system creates.
While CIMEX continues to assert its commitment to transparency and control, citizens face ongoing irregularities in stores, poor service, and challenges in getting responses to their complaints. Reports keep piling up on social media, but solutions seem increasingly out of reach for Cuban consumers.
Addressing Corruption and Customer Service Issues in Cuba
How can customers report corruption in CIMEX stores?
Customers can report corruption through CIMEX's official customer service channels, allowing the corporation to take immediate action.
What are the common complaints about CIMEX stores?
Common complaints include customer mistreatment, lack of professionalism among employees, and issues with product delivery and refunds through TuEnvío.
What challenges do customers face with financial services in Cuba?
Customers struggle to check balances on foreign currency cards due to a lack of operators and malfunctioning IT systems.