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Best supermarkets in Mexico: Where to go grocery shopping?
Fancy going shopping? In this guide, we'll discover the 5 best supermarkets in Mexico and other specialist shops.
Today, we’re going shopping at the best supermarkets in Mexico. Whether you’re here as a tourist for a few days or have settled in for studying or remote work, it’s important to know the types of stores in this country. This way, you’ll know where to go for a big shop, which establishments are open 24 hours, and where to find fresh and local products.
In this article, we’ll show you different types of supermarkets, what products they sell, their hours, and prices. We’ll also take a look at other types of stores such as decoration, furniture, clothing, and electronics, so you can buy everything you need in the country.
What types of stores are there in Mexico?
Supermarkets in Mexico are classified by their size, location, and the products they sell. In terms of cost of living, food is quite affordable, and due to the high competition among stores, prices are economical. However, it’s a good idea to check their deals and promotions so your adventure in the country as a tourist, student, or digital nomad can be as cost-effective as possible:
- Supermarkets: These can be found in every neighbourhood and are perfect for weekly shopping. They sell fresh food, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items. Some examples include Walmart, Soriana, Chedraui, La Comer, and Superama.
- Traditional markets: These are an essential part of Mexican culture, where you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat, spices, flowers, or prepared food, like the Mercado de la Merced in Mexico City or the Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca.
- Specialty stores: These are small shops located in tourist and urban areas, offering organic, artisanal, premium, and gourmet products, such as City Market, Fresko, or Green Corner.
- Wholesale stores: These sell products in bulk for large families or businesses at lower prices. The most well-known are Sam’s Club and Costco, which require an annual membership to access their deals.
- Convenience stores: These are perfect for emergency shopping since they are open 24 hours a day and can be found on almost every corner in Mexican cities. They sell drinks, snacks, and basic products. The most popular ones are OXXO, 7-Eleven, and Extra.
The Top 5 Supermarkets in Mexico
Did you know that Mexican cuisine was recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO? The richness of its culinary traditions is reflected in its regional variety that you can find in every supermarket in Mexico. Below, we’ll show you the top ones.
1. Chedraui, the oldest local supermarket
One of Mexico’s oldest supermarkets is Chedraui, founded in 1920 in Veracruz. You can find more than 30 stores across the country in cities like Cancun, CDMX, and Guadalajara, operating from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. Their slogan is “Costs less,” so you’ll be able to buy fresh food, bakery items, meat, fruit, and vegetables, as well as cleaning supplies, clothing, and electronics at very affordable prices:
- Bottle of water (1 L): $0.30 (€0.26)
- Eggs (12 pcs): $2.21 (€1.90)
- Chiapas bananas (1 kg): $4.03 (€3.47)
- Pechugas de pollo (400 GR): $1.22 (€1.05)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive national coverage | Few international brands |
| Low prices | Smaller rural stores with limited stock |
| Points card |
Advantages and disadvantages of Chedraui.
2. Soriana, a Mexican supermarket
Soriana is one of the most important supermarkets in Mexico, focusing on family shopping and frequent promotions. This local chain was founded in 1968 in the city of Torreón, and today, it has over 800 stores across the country, in cities like Reynosa, CDMX, Torreón, and Durango, operating from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with regional variations. It has its own private label, Soriana Selección, and sells fresh food, cleaning products, electronics, clothing, and household items at very affordable prices:
- Whole milk (6 L): $8.98 (€7.73)
- Eggs (12 pcs): $2.23 (€1.92)
- Extra virgin olive oil (750 ML): $15.73 (€13.54)
- Frozen chicken breasts (1 kg): $4.34 (€3.74)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of products | Stores a bit outdated |
| Frequent discounts | No gourmet products |
| Wide national network | Limited stock in small towns |
Advantages and disadvantages of Soriana.
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3. OXXO, a convenience store
In addition to all the supermarkets in Mexico where you can do your bigger weekly shopping, there are convenience stores like OXXO, one of the largest in the country and all of Latin America, with over 20,000 branches. If you forget to buy something and the supermarkets are already closed, you can get any drink, snack, bread, coffee, or hygiene products at any hour, since they never close. However, the prices are higher than in supermarkets, for example, a 1-litre bottle of water costs $0.99 (€0.85) and a prepared sandwich costs $2.67 (€2.30).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Open 24 hours | Higher prices |
| Ideal for emergency shopping | Limited variety |
| Stores in every neighbourhood | No fresh products |
Advantages and disadvantages of OXXO.
4. Mercado de San Juan, a traditional market
Looking for fresh local products? The best place is a traditional market, such as the Mercado de San Juan, located in Mexico City’s historic centre, open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. It specialises in gourmet, exotic, and fresh products, and is often frequented by chefs for their restaurants.
Here, you can fill your shopping cart with meat, fish, seafood, artisanal cheeses, tropical fruits, and even edible insects. For example, a kilo of fresh shrimp costs $20 (€17.90) and a tray of artisan cheese costs $12 (€10.30).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gourmet and unique products | Limited hours |
| Fresh fruit and vegetables | Higher prices |
| Traditional, charming place | Limited stock |
Advantages and disadvantages of Mercado de San Juan.
5. City Market, a specialty store
We end this list of the best supermarkets in Mexico with a specialty store like City Market, which focuses on premium and gourmet products, organic foods, imports, wines, select meats, seafood, European cheeses, and vegan products. It is present in major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Querétaro, operating from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, every day.
Prices are higher than average compared to other stores, but here, quality and exclusivity are valued more. For example, a bottle of imported wine costs around $26 (€23) and an artisan loaf of bread costs $4.76 (€4.10).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Imported products | Higher prices |
| Excellent service and presentation | Not available in every city |
| Ideal for gifts | Not recommended for big shopping |
Advantages and disadvantages of City Market.
Other Notable Stores and Warehouses in Mexico
After this overview of the best supermarkets in Mexico, convenience stores, and traditional markets, let’s discover other types of stores where you can buy additional items like clothing, furniture, electronics, or footwear. Take note of these three stores, which you’ll find in shopping malls, main avenues, urban areas, and even more rural regions.
Liverpool, department stores
Founded in 1847, this department store chain is one of the most iconic in the country, with more than 120 stores in all capitals, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. It offers various departments for clothing, footwear, beauty, technology, home appliances, furniture, and luxury items. Prices are higher than average, but it carries well-known brands; for example, a shirt costs $70 (€60) and a 50-inch TV costs $708 (€610).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium brands | Higher prices than average |
| Excellent customer service | Limited promotions |
| Online store | Very crowded stores |
Advantages and disadvantages of Liverpool.
Coppel, from fashion to technology
Another Mexican chain, founded in Sinaloa in 1941, is Coppel, a store that has positioned itself as accessible by offering good prices. You can find more than 1,700 stores across the country, even in smaller regions, open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Sunday.
Here, you can buy clothing, footwear, furniture, technology, mobile phones, or home appliances, with payment plans available without a bank card. For example, a mid-range smartphone starts from $296 (€255) or a washing machine for $441 (€380).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy credit | Does not offer many premium brands |
| Affordable rates | Less personalised service |
| Wide coverage across the country | Some products with limited warranty |
Advantages and disadvantages of Coppel.
Sears Mexico, international and local brands
The third store we’d like to introduce is Sears, a subsidiary of the US company that first opened in Mexico in 1947, with more than 90 stores in the main cities across the country, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. In this store, you can find both national and international brands of clothing, furniture, home appliances, technology, and accessories. Prices are mid-range, between Liverpool and Coppel; for example, a branded dress costs from $105 (€90) and boots cost $35 (€30).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value for money | Less presence in small towns |
| National and international brands | Some stores have old infrastructure |
| After-sales service | Lower stock in rural areas |
Advantages and disadvantages of Sears.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Supermarkets in Mexico
Soriana and Chedraui are the most affordable supermarkets in Mexico, especially for basic products like rice, beans, milk, or vegetables.
Most open between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM from Monday to Sunday, although some convenience stores stay open 24 hours, like OXXO.
Yes, most supermarkets in Mexico accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments.
Traditional markets are the best option for buying fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal bread, cheeses, salsas, spices, and traditional Mexican dishes. Some examples are Mercado de San Juan (CDMX), Mercado 20 de Noviembre (Oaxaca), and Mercado Hidalgo (Guanajuato).
With around $26.50–48.76 (€25–46), you can make a good weekly shop at supermarkets in Mexico.
