....they will be back to shells before the end of the year ....
"A customer reported that when paying for a purchase, the change at the checkout should be given in USD, but since there are no coins, what actually happens is that "they make up the total amount with cookies or candies."
The recent opening of a market in Havana that only accepts cash in dollars or cards linked to foreign currency accounts has stirred significant indignation among the population.
The establishment is located at 3rd and 70, in the Playa municipality, across from the old one that operates in freely convertible currency (MLC). However, unlike that one, it is very well stocked with both national and foreign products.
Inside, there are foods, personal hygiene and cleaning items, household supplies, and appliances; however, the limited payment options deny most users the chance to access these products.
"It’s a complete lack of respect. First, at the MLC, they didn’t accept USD, only euros, and now it’s USD—their store doesn’t accept euros. The one across the street, which is MLC, is completely empty while the new one accepting USD is stocked to the ceiling. Damn, how long is this going to last? Where are they trying to take us?" said a resident of Havana
"The MLC is the dollar deposited on a card that is already in the bank, and you only have a card with a number. Now, does that dollar of yours, deposited in the bank to buy from that store, have no value? What can we call that? Therefore, the humbler and more in need the people are, forcing emigrated family members to send currency for so many simple necessities, poverty simply becomes a profitable business! Inflation and the loss of value of the national currency that affects workers and retirees only worsens that poverty. The more poverty there is, the more profit!" a man remarked.
The supermarket is part of the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel, which opened in 2023 and is managed by the MGM Muthu Hotels chain and the Gaviota group, controlled by the military leadership of the regime.
Payments can be made in cash in dollars, with the Fincimex Classic card, or with a new special card from GAESA's financial division that can be reloaded from abroad.
"I am increasingly surprised; just when you think things can't get any worse, this government finds a way to show you that they can. It is a disrespect to the average Cuban, to those who work for themselves and are paid in a currency that isn’t theirs," a mother commented.
"They are putting the Cuban who left to support the country, it’s that simple," stated a resident in West Palm Beach.
https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-03-u1-e43231-s27061-nid294828-crece-indignacion-cubanos-tras-apertura-supermercado