Cuban’s Dollar Store Discovery
- HAVANA (AP) — A newly opened store in Havana, "Casalinda," is generating controversy due to its exclusive acceptance of U.S.
- Located at the historic corner of San rafael and Galiano in Centro Habana, the store occupies the building that once housed "Ten Cents," a popular commercial center in...
- A video circulating on TikTok showed one user expressing surprise at the store's variety, noting the presence of Italian products like Nutella, exceeding what's available in some state-run...
havana’s New Dollar-Only Store Sparks Inequality Concerns
Table of Contents
- havana’s New Dollar-Only Store Sparks Inequality Concerns
- Casalinda: Havana’s New Dollar-Only Store – A Q&A
- What is “Casalinda” and Why is it Controversial?
- Where is “Casalinda” Located?
- what Kind of Products Does “Casalinda” Sell?
- Who Can Shop at “Casalinda”?
- Why is “Casalinda” Seen as a Symbol of Economic Inequality?
- What’s the History of the Building where “Casalinda” is Located?
- Who is behind “Casalinda”?
- Are There Any Connections to the Cuban Government?
- What are the Key Differences between “Casalinda” and typical state-Run Stores?
HAVANA (AP) — A newly opened store in Havana, “Casalinda,” is generating controversy due to its exclusive acceptance of U.S. dollars or foreign-funded bank cards, highlighting the growing economic disparities in Cuba.
Located at the historic corner of San rafael and Galiano in Centro Habana, the store occupies the building that once housed “Ten Cents,” a popular commercial center in the 1950s. Now, as “Casalinda,” it offers a wide array of imported goods, from food and clothing to appliances, but remains inaccessible to many Cubans.
A video circulating on TikTok showed one user expressing surprise at the store’s variety, noting the presence of Italian products like Nutella, exceeding what’s available in some state-run supermarkets. However, the user also pointed out that Cuba’s MLC (freely convertible currency) cards are not accepted.
Limited Access Fuels Resentment
The store’s policy effectively restricts access to Cubans who receive remittances from abroad, earn in foreign currency, or participate in the informal dollar market. Those who rely on salaries paid in the devalued Cuban peso find themselves excluded, able only to view “Casalinda” as a “luxury museum,” according to social media commentary.
“The MLC does not work here,” the young Cuban said in his video, highlighting the issue.
Extensive Product Range
With over 10,000 items, “Casalinda” has been promoted online as a premier shopping destination. However, its dollar-only policy casts a shadow over its appeal.
Italian Investment and Military Ties
The project is reportedly led by Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito,an Italian businessman with a long-standing presence in Cuba. Savina, through his company Itrsav and in collaboration with Caribbean stores, is promoting a new network of dollar-based retail outlets, starting with the Centro Habana location.
Savina is known for his connections with Gaesa, the military-controlled conglomerate that manages a significant portion of the Cuban economy.
From “Ten Cents” to Dollar Store: A Symbol of Change
The building’s conversion from the former “Ten Cents” store, where Cubans with modest incomes could once shop, to a dollar-only establishment underscores the shifting economic landscape and growing inequality. Previously criticized in 2019 for unsanitary conditions, including reports of rodents, the renovated space now represents a different kind of exclusion.
The reopening of the store as “Casalinda” has sparked debate about the increasing dollarization of the Cuban economy and its impact on ordinary citizens.
FAQ: Casalinda and Cuba’s Dollar Economy
What is “Casalinda” and where is it?
“Casalinda” is a new store in Havana that only accepts U.S. dollars or bank cards funded from abroad. It’s located in the former “Ten Cents” building at the corner of San Rafael and Galiano in Centro Habana.
What does “Casalinda” sell?
The store offers a wide range of products,including food,clothing,footwear,and imported appliances.Italian products, such as Nutella, are prominently featured, with over 10,000 items available.
Who can shop at “Casalinda”?
Access is limited to those who receive remittances, earn foreign currency, or have access to the informal dollar market, excluding those who depend on Cuban peso salaries.
What’s the impact on Cuba’s economy?
The store’s opening highlights and exacerbates economic inequality, deepening the divide between those with access to dollars and the majority reliant on the national currency.
Casalinda: Havana’s New Dollar-Only Store – A Q&A
What is “Casalinda” and Why is it Controversial?
“Casalinda” is a newly opened store in Havana,Cuba,that has sparked important debate. The controversy stems from its policy of only accepting U.S. dollars or bank cards funded from abroad. This exclusivity raises concerns about growing economic inequality in a country where many citizens rely on the Cuban peso.
Where is “Casalinda” Located?
“Casalinda” is located in Centro Habana, at the historic corner of San Rafael and Galiano. The building previously housed the “Ten Cents” store, a once-popular commercial center.
what Kind of Products Does “Casalinda” Sell?
“Casalinda” offers a wide variety of imported goods. These include:
Food
Clothing
Footwear
Appliances
The store is known for carrying a large selection of items, including Italian products like Nutella.
Who Can Shop at “Casalinda”?
Access too “Casalinda” is limited. Only those who:
Receive remittances from abroad
Earn foreign currency
* Have access to the informal dollar market
can shop at Casalinda. This excludes Cubans who rely on salaries paid in the Cuban peso.
Why is “Casalinda” Seen as a Symbol of Economic Inequality?
The dollar-only policy of “Casalinda” directly contributes to the widening economic gap within Cuba. it creates a visible divide between those with access to dollars and those dependent on the Cuban peso.For many Cubans, the store is seen as a “luxury museum” they cannot access.
What’s the History of the Building where “Casalinda” is Located?
Before “Casalinda,” the building housed “Ten Cents,” a store accessible to Cubans with more modest incomes. This transition highlights the shifting economic landscape, moving from a place for everyday purchases to a venue catering to those with access to foreign currency.
Who is behind “Casalinda”?
The project is reportedly led by Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito,an Italian businessman with a long-standing presence in Cuba. savina, through his company itrsav and in collaboration with Caribbean stores, is promoting a network of dollar-based retail outlets.
Are There Any Connections to the Cuban Government?
Yes, savina is known for his connections with Gaesa, a military-controlled conglomerate that manages a significant portion of the Cuban economy.
What are the Key Differences between “Casalinda” and typical state-Run Stores?
The primary difference is the accepted currency. While “Casalinda” only accepts U.S. dollars or foreign-funded cards, many state-run stores primarily accept the Cuban peso, though some may now also accept MLC cards designed for Cuban residents to buy goods in US dollars.
This table summarizes the key differences:
| Feature | “Casalinda” | Typical State-Run Stores |
| —————— | ——————————————————- | —————————————————————– |
| Accepted Currency | U.S. dollars, Foreign-funded bank cards | Primarily Cuban Peso, may also accepted MLC |
| Product Range | Imported goods, wide variety, Italian products | Varies, frequently enough with limited selection of imported goods. primarily locally sourced goods |
| Accessibility | Limited to those with access to foreign currency | Open to those with Cuban pesos, even though products might potentially be limited or unavailable |
| economic Impact | Exacerbates economic inequality and dollarization | Primarily Serves those with cuban Pesos, and sometimes MLC cards |