A TikTok video shared by the account @sigue.a.cuba captures a Cuban man's visit to the newly opened store "Casalinda," located at the iconic corner of San Rafael and Galiano in the heart of Centro Habana. The visit left him pleasantly shocked, noting that what he discovered exceeded his expectations. "Honestly, I think there's more variety here than at the 3rd and 70th Supermarket," he remarked while exploring the aisles, impressed by the presence of Italian products, including the popular hazelnut spread, Nutella.
Set in the historic building that once housed the Ten Cents store, a symbol of Havana's 1950s commerce, the regime re-launched it in early April as “Casalinda.” The store exclusively accepts payments in U.S. dollars or through "Classic" bank cards funded from abroad. "MLC doesn’t work here," the young Cuban clarified in his video.
In addition to food and household products, "Casalinda" offers clothing, footwear, and a wide array of imported appliances from Europe and Asia. With over 10,000 items available, it has been touted on social media as Havana's "new favorite shopping center."
Access to this store is limited to a minority of Cubans who receive remittances, earn foreign currency, or are involved with the informal dollar market. Those who survive on devalued pesos can only visit "Casalinda" as if it were a "luxury museum" where they cannot afford to take anything home.
This initiative is spearheaded by Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito, an Italian businessman with over three decades of experience in Cuba, noted for his connections with GAESA, the military conglomerate that dominates much of the national economy. Through his company Italsav and in partnership with Tiendas Caribe, Savina is promoting a new network of retail supermarkets in dollars, starting with this store in Centro Habana.
In 2019, the location was criticized for its unhygienic conditions, including reports of rodents and cockroaches. Today, transformed into a foreign exchange store, the former Ten Cents represents more than just a change in commercial offerings; it stands as a symbol of economic inequality and exclusion. Whereas many Cubans once shopped at the Ten Cents with modest wages, now it serves as a showcase accessible only to those with dollars in Cuba.
Understanding the Impact of "Casalinda" on Cuban Society
Why is "Casalinda" considered a symbol of inequality?
"Casalinda" is seen as a symbol of inequality because it caters exclusively to those with access to foreign currency, excluding the majority of Cubans who earn devalued pesos and cannot afford to shop there.
Who is Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito?
Bartolomeo “Beto” Savina Tito is an Italian businessman with long-standing ties to Cuba, known for his association with GAESA and his efforts to develop a network of dollar-based retail stores in the country.
What types of products are available at "Casalinda"?
"Casalinda" offers a variety of products including food, household goods, clothing, footwear, and imported appliances from Europe and Asia, totaling over 10,000 items.