The historic corner of Galiano, once home to the legendary Ten Cents store and later the Trasval hardware shop, has reopened its doors as Casalinda. This new establishment is part of the expanding dollar-based retail network in Cuba. Cuban YouTuber Andando con Jeny was among the first to explore and document the store's interior. According to her channel, the store opened the day of her visit, and despite a power outage shortly after the inauguration, she managed to showcase a wide array of products ranging from sweets and appliances to household and pet items.
Exploring Casalinda's Offerings
Jeny provides a detailed tour of the store's two floors. The ground level prominently features:
- Imported food and beverages, such as olives (365), chicken mince and chorizo (from 1.60), Nutella (15.35), barbecue sauce, wines, and vinegars.
- Confectionery and baking supplies, including ice cream cones, cupcake liners, and decorating tips.
- Personal care and cosmetic products, from shampoos to hair dyes.
- Household items, like pitchers, cutlery, kitchen timers, pans, curtains, and rugs.
- Pet supplies, including beds, feeders, and food.
The upstairs level features shelves stocked with:
- Appliances and electronics, including juicers, lamps, clocks, mirrors, and phones.
- Assemble-yourself furniture, like shoe racks and fabric closets, some priced up to 65 dollars.
- Home decor, offering low-cost options but with significantly higher prices compared to similar European stores.
Casalinda's Business Model and Payment Options
Casalinda retains its role as a pickup point for online orders, suggesting an expansion from e-commerce to in-person shopping. Payments are exclusively accepted with MLC Cards (commonly known as “blue cards”), International Cards, or cash in dollars. However, with state salaries still disbursed in Cuban pesos, access to such stores remains limited to a small segment of the population receiving remittances or foreign currency income, sparking criticism for its exclusionary nature.
The Casalinda project is spearheaded by Italian entrepreneur Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito through his company Italsav, in partnership with Tiendas Caribe, a commercial network controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. This indicates that the business is indirectly managed by GAESA, a major economic arm of the Cuban government, operating without transparency or institutional oversight.
With over 10,000 imported products, Casalinda joins the network of MLC stores gradually replacing peso-denominated businesses. For many Havana residents, the transformation of the former Ten Cents, a symbol of accessible and popular commerce in past decades, into a currency-exclusive store is a stark metaphor for the growing economic inequality in the country.
Opening Day: Enthusiasm Amidst Power Outages
Jeny humorously recounted how, soon after entering, the power went out and the public began to be evacuated. Despite the store having a generator, employees were eager to close quickly, highlighting logistical challenges even in foreign investment ventures. Nonetheless, public curiosity was high, with lines forming early, people exploring the aisles in amazement, and many simply “gossiping,” as Jeny described with laughter, while showing prices that doubled or tripled those of similar products in Europe.
Understanding Casalinda's Impact on Cuban Economy
What types of products are available at Casalinda?
Casalinda offers a wide range of products, including imported food and beverages, confectionery, personal care items, household goods, pet supplies, electronics, assemble-yourself furniture, and home decor.
How can customers pay for items at Casalinda?
Customers can pay using MLC Cards, International Cards, or cash in dollars. Payment in Cuban pesos is not accepted.
Who is behind the Casalinda project?
The project is led by Italian businessman Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito through his company Italsav, in collaboration with Tiendas Caribe, a network controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba.