Now and then when we are out, I’ll take my camera so you can see what we have available here. This is our PriceMart, similar to a Costco in the US. These photos were taken while trying not to be seen by the staff, so excuse the quality of some of them.
PriceMart tends to sell large quantities, especially food items. There are only two of us so anything perishable or too bulky to fit in the house doesn’t work for us. We have bought some tables, pots and pans, other household things, nonperishable items like cleaning supplies and snacks, and the prices on liquor, beer, and wine are better than in the supermarket. I don’t buy meat and fish, or produce since I’ve found better prices elsewhere.
We were told that if you see something you want, buy it because it may not be there tomorrow. This is true! We found a good deal on corn chips that we liked. One day we went and there were none, and they didn’t return for weeks. This sort of thing isn’t unusual in Panama, and it’s not just PriceMart. There was a time when there was no sour cream in any of the supermarkets, and when it showed up again it was only in 2 pound containers.
These photos don’t even cover everything they sell, but they should give you some idea of what it’s like. One thing we like about living in David is having so many things close to us.
We have a couple of these plastic tables in our house. They are sturdy, inexpensive, easy to clean, and withstand the humidity.
There were some refrigerators behind us, some of which were very expensive and high end. Here are some stoves and washing machines. Beyond are air conditioners, ceiling fans, lamps, and other household items.
Jeans, shirts, socks, underwear, and some books
Dishes, silverware, bowls, pots and pans, and small kitchen appliances are in this area.
There were some mattresses along the wall.
Exercise equipment, and outdoor tools
Some big BBQ grills
Stuff for kids
Along the back wall, lots of diapers, paper goods, and cleaning supplies
Spices, condiments, salad dressings, etc.
Do you need a gallon of cooking oil?
Cribs, strollers and baby things. On the right edge of the photo you can see the edge of a trampoline hanging from the ceiling.
They even had a riding lawn mower. I think it was around $1500.
More food. I see boxes of Prego, more condiments, and coffee.
Boxes of mixes and canned goods.
These are the biggest cans of tuna I’ve ever seen – about 4 pounds.
Juices – some familiar brands.
Our favorite beer, for less than $.50/can.
Cookies, sweets, and snacks.
the liquor aisle. The wine aisle is behind it.
A nice selection of cheeses. There are more in the fridge behind me, along with other dairy and meat products. To the right is aisles of candy and snacks, and personal care things like soap and toothpaste.
A bit of the electronics department. The staff there is attentive so photos are difficult. They have computers, iPads, smart phones, sound systems, many TV’s, and other items. Beyond is a couple of the refrigerators, and to the left is the roasted chicken display.
Meat, fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables.
Heading for the checkout. Ahead is a very large table with many baked goods. The cake decorating department is on the left, and they do some very nice work. Past the checkout counters is an eating area which always seems busy.
About Kris Cunningham
We live in David, Chiriqui Provence, Republic of Panama! This blog is about some of our experiences in our new country.
The Panama Adventure 
I saw on Rachael Ray show years ago a man that shops at Costco, Sam’s and BJ’s here in the States. He made note that if an item at Costco ends in .97, it is at the bottom most price you will see it at and the item is getting cleared out. And it there is an asterisk by the price, this is the last you will see the item (it is on its way out and not being reordered). Your pictures and the fact that if you don’t buy it now, it will be gone are very familiar to us here. Do they have samples in Price Smart lol? I seriously doubt this. But this is why we go! To eat our way through the store. Thanks for putting yourself out there and taking those pictures!
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Really! I wonder if they code things like that here. I think they just run out and things don’t get restocked quickly, or they get a one time shipment of something.
Yes, they have samples here. Usually there are at least a half dozen people quietly standing at tables in case you want to try what they offer. It’s funny, they never approach you or push anything on you, and it seems like they must spend almost all their time just standing there. I’d be bored to death!
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Muchas cosas buenas!!!
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Si, es verdad 🙂
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thanks for making everyday life in Panama so real, good info !
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You’re welcome, my pleasure 🙂
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LOL! We bought our membership card last May when we moved here. I think we managed to use it three or four times in the last year and of course it has expired. As there are only two stores in the country, one in David and one in the city and both are five hours away we haven’t bought a new membership. Do I miiss the big stores? Sometimes. I live vicariously through your post today my dear blogging friend. Maybe we’ll get up that way soon and renew our membership. 🙂
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Ya know, if I went with you and flashed my card on the way in… I’d have to show it again at checkout though, but if you used cash instead of a credit card so we wouldn’t have to worry about the names matching… it should work! There’s even an ATM in the store. I’m getting pretty creative about getting you to come visit, eh? 😀
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LOL! Yes, yes you are. 🙂
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