What is the difference between our local Walmart in Ottawa, Canada, and the local Walmart in Cancun, Mexico? At first, it seems “not much”, but as your take a closer inspection, there is much to discover.
The layout of the store looks the same. The colors, logos, and patterns are all familiar. The words are in Spanish, but that’s to be expected as we are in Mexico.
Let’s start in the area of Farmacia. The aisles that run perpendicular are filled with shampoos, shaving creams, soaps, and many brands of toothpaste. What is the first thing I always notice? The price of course. The same brands that I use in Canada, can be purchased at Walmart in Cancun for HALF the price I pay at home. BINGO – nice find.
Fruits and Veggies – what an array of gorgeous produce. Some of the vegetables I don’t recognize, but I make it a habit to always try one new veg every two weeks. Fruits, papaya, mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, OH MY! The colors, smells, and sensory overload. I almost forgot the PRICE again. It costs much less than at my local Walmart in Canada.
Now let’s move to the protein section. Hello, meat department. The smells are a bit funky. I see some meat lying out and it concerns me but this is a different country, with different rules. It’s my decision if I am going to buy it or not.
There are tons of options for different kinds of hams at the deli counter. Ham, ham, ham, and more ham. If I wanted to make a charcuterie board with “only ham”, I could do it. There are other options in the deli department but they seem to be quite expensive when you compare to the ham. I think I will pass on the charcuterie boards for now. There isn’t much of a pickle section to talk about. Or, maybe I am blind?
The cheese is interesting. There are panela, manchego, and other types that I don’t see often at the Walmart back home. My regular choices of gouda, swiss, aged cheddar, I can’t find them here. Maybe I have to search a bit harder.
Warm corn tortillas, and fresh salsas. That’s not something I see at home. This is wonderful! And the price? Super economical.
It’s time to hit the cash and check out but before that, let’s check the alcohol aisles. Um, I need to mention that there is a lot to choose from. I recognize the same bottles from home and here they are ½ the price. Don’t mind if I do!
Check out goes smoothly but the line-ups seem to be a bit longer and the cashiers seem to take a bit longer also. I’m not in a hurry. Remember to bring your bags with you because you cannot buy plastic or paper here. The best part of the check-out process, your bags get packed for you. Make sure to have a tip for the person bagging your groceries.
Those are my happy thoughts as I leave the Walmart in Cancun. The sun is shining in the parking lot and the humidity is high. Oh, and there is a person here to help place my bags in my trunk for a small tip.
Life is good.
