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Best Supermarkets and/or Walmart equivalent

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jasonlovesdogs
Does anyone know the cheapest supermarkets chains in Brazil to shop? Right now I'm shopping at Dona de Casa but I heard it's a expensive place to shop. I think big box is also about the same. Are there any other chains that are cheaper?

Also is there any Walmart equivalent chain in Brazil? I was reading that Walmart went out of business several years ago. I know there's Sam's club, which I'm going to check out, but is there anything equivalent to Walmart? Thanks.
rnbtg
Depends where you live. Sam’s club exists in some places. An equivalent of that or Costco sorta is an atacadão if you want to buy bulk. I will say cheaper is not necessarily better in Brazil. If you read the news there’s some pretty scary stuff out there with even the main supermarket chains selling produce with levels of toxins that exceed the legal limits, dangerous meats etc. produce can be cheaper at farmers markets depending again on region and city.
rraypo
First, Walmart moved into Brasil and opened lots of stores, most in very bad locations. However, Brasilians did not like them or did not have a car to get to them as was the case in SP., and most closed very quickly. Some remained open as Sam's club. My Walmart's all closed but one, it became Sam's club, yes, I am a member, but I have to tell you when I go in on rare occasions, there are no customers, I can quite literally be alone.

I found found numerous small chain stores, one I like on the north side of the city of SP is Proenca. I personally like Carrefour as a larger chain store.
john8670

@jasonlovesdogs According to my wife who is from São Paulo and from my own experience visiting there “Extra” is the Brazilian version of Walmart. When I was inside it reminded me of Walmart. I’m not sure how many are outside of the São Paulo area though.

Texanbrazil
As mentioned Walmart sold 80% stake in all stores. They could not figure out Brazil's customers.
There are hypermarkets around.
We have Muffato here. They also bought Big ( part of Walmart and made it a superstore.
Every region is different. You just have to explore.
rraypo
As mentioned Walmart sold 80% stake in all stores. They could not figure out Brazil's customers.
There are hypermarkets around.
We have Muffato here. They also bought Big ( part of Walmart and made it a superstore.
Every region is different. You just have to explore.
- @Texanbrazil

I often stay in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, where Walmart failed miserably, very quickly, but there is a very nice Mufato there near me, always quite busy. I did not know how big of a chain store they are. Cool!
abthree
08/15/22 Like Rraypo, I've found Carrefour satisfactory, and one of the few really national chains.  They seem to maintain a certain quality standard, although selection seems to be slipping in recent years, at least here in the North.

In the cheapest chains, be very alert to use-by dates that have already passed, broken packaging, unsanitary storage conditions, and so on.   We stopped using the cheapest chain here long ago because of those concerns.
Inubia
I moved to Brazil in  order to escape the Walmart mentality.  Please dont try to bring it here, if you want to shop at Walmart there are hundreds to choose from in the USA.....
rnbtg
I also shop at Carrefour when I can’t avoid it but this sort of stuff is the concern.
reporterbrasil.org.br/2022/02/carrefour-e-condenado-por-vender-alimentos-com-agrotoxicos-proibidos-e-acima-do-limite/
john8670
Going through this thread is pretty eye opening. I wasn't aware that certain stores and chains should be avoided but it makes sense though. I guess they don't have the same quality controls, rules and regulations that they do in the states.
sprealestatebroker

@jasonlovesdogs


Supermarket chains , well it is a regional thing, short of Carrefour and Casino's operated stores. 


Don't get caught in a Wallmart. It ain't as good as it might be in America. 


There is the Dutch owned Makro, then "Atacarejo"s which are your Cash  and Carry equivalents, I would check the Assai chain .


stick with the French.  They gotten better at doing it in Brazil.  American Owned Retail chains in Brazil, short of the junk dished out at McDs are a laughing joke.


devorahmichaela

Morning everyone,


I do not like Carrefour because they are known for racism and have been involved in many incidents against black customers, including one incident where a security guard killed a black customer for no reason whatsoever. The man was unarmed and was put into a headlock until he died. In another incident ( this one not being racial) a security guard beat a stray dog to death with a wooden stick in front of everyone just because it had entered the store. These incidents were caught on video and made the news. Carrefour apparently is not training it´s staff to correctly handle incidents and have been known to tell their staff to ´´take care of problems using whatever means necessary.`` I boycott Carrefour as their attitude is disgusting.


If you are looking for a really good supermarket, try Mambo, or Zafferi or Oba, or St Marche. They have imported stuff like maple syrup and lots of high-end items. If you live in the Jardins SP, go to Casa SantaLuzia. They have Kosher products, imported products and lots of high-end  and hard to find items.


Forget the rice krispies treats, and toaster strudels. They don´t exist here.


I have really good taste so if you need help, please ask me.

Devorah

languages4brazilians.com.br

devorahmichaela

@devorahmichaela P.S.

Walmart does not exist anymore in Brazil. They were bought by a company called BIG. And it sucks.

Mikeflanagan

If your looking for value for dollar. looking up any atacadao will do that path, sometimes its chaotic shopping at these places as its packed.


carrefour generally marks up prices where big bom preco will definitly be a hit or miss per location.


basically on your neighborhood you will need to visit and explore or ask your neighbors where they are doing their shopping in casual conversation - so it doesnt sound like an interrogation lol

sprealestatebroker

St Marche.  is an expensive grocery chain.   

Oba, not sure about it. 




sprealestatebroker

For price and convenience, stick to Extra's Chain. 


For everything else, only if you are in Sampa ( as of Sao Paulo ).... And if you can afford to buy in bulk, even better....


So copy it down, I only will tell you all this at once!!!!


And you are welcomed.


Here's where to go....


Fruits - Mercado da Cantareira - Do not go into the main building to buy fruits!!!!   Go out in the back where bargains are to be had. By Rua da Cantareira.  The Large Pre-War Building, that is for tourists, a big Tourist trap.  You can only go there for your Seafood, Cold Cuts, spices. get a snack, soak into the ambience, yada, yada,yada    That is ok then. 


You can munch on Mortandela sandwiches to pat yourself on the back, but seriously, you can get mortandela anywhere else.  Why over pay ?  May I suggest you switch for a large Pastel de Bacalhau ( Dry Codfish ) , as expensive it might look like, you won't get it at your Farmer's Market ( Or Feira Livre ).


Also, give it a try to Mercado da Lapa

Rua Herbart, 47 - Lapa, São Paulo - SP, 05072-030


There is also a good one by Ipiranga.

Mercado Mun. do Ipiranga - R. Silva Bueno, 2109 - Ipiranga, São Paulo - SP, 04208-052


And on that account, anywhere you see an influx or "Wetback " Northeasterners, ( migrants ), you wil score good bargains on meat cuts.     Just beware sometimes they play tricks with those meats looking so enticing.  I suspect they ad colourants to them.


Grains- Take a pill of courage and go scour the Bras Cerealista District.  That also includes sacks of potatoes.

Here is your cheat sheet.

That is good for those nuts you will buy at Christmas. 


Rua Santa Rosa is the best place to get started


If you can drag a few bags, you can actually buy, not a wholesale rates on the CEAGESP for your veggies, onions, potatoes, fruits, seafood.   

Rua C, s/n (travessa da Avenida José C. de Oliveira, 111 A) – Jaguaré – CEP 05317-900



Sea Food, Santos, obviously, at Ponta da Praia, close to the Ferry boats.  That is half a day pursuit,. or a whole day pursuit. 

Av. Gov. Mário Covas Júnior, 3050 - Ponta da Praia, Santos - SP, 11030-200


By the Agua Branca Park, if you are into organic stuffl, they hold weekly farmer's markets there.

That is by Avenida Francisco Matarazzo.  You can't miss .  It's a huge lush public garden.  The chickens roaming by the grounds, leave them alone.


Pastries

Accept no substitute!

R. Borges de Figueiredo, 61/103 - Mooca, São Paulo - SP, 03110-010

That's Di Cunto Pastry Shop. In business since the 40's


Check your schedule going there and catch a game as it should be seen @ Juventus


If you try that, and score, then you have been christiened as a true  Paulistano. 






sprealestatebroker

On Feiras Livres or Farmer's Markets.....


Here are the tricks of the trade....


If you need to source cheap, and top quality ain't a requirement the go to Blue Collar neighborhoods.  If you want the best, upscale hamlets will do. 


Certain items sell out faster. Like parsley, for instance.  So you need to head out early..


Other items, not so much. That is when you time your going to get there before it ends. 

Congratulations, you are now practicing the Art of Xepa ( it pronunciates CHEEEAPAAAH ).  Just don't go bragging at your Xepa exploits to Brazzers.  They will talk your back about how much of a CBA ( as a Cheap Bastard of America ) you are.   


At that time, you will see, before your eyes, the hawkers changing prices at the drop of a hat. That is when you move in.  And haggle if you must. But only at the end. 


Feiras livres are good to develop a relationship with your vendor.  And improve upon your language skills.  And get the scoop on sourcing.   


For instance, in my case, I skip the Supermarket chain for some items, even at the expense of paying more...


Bell Peppers

Parsley

Bananas

Spices

Pineaples

Papayas

Persimmon Fruit


Also, go to Feiras towards the end of the week, if you are to purchase meat or seafood.  There are some amount of recyclinjg going on there.  Fruits and Veggies ok


So there you have it. 



hh082277

@devorahmichaela

can u give suggestions on places for uniques brazilian textiles? jewelry, clothing, art, anything really? i like to share souvenirs authentic to the country. i can be reached at [link moderated]

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