Best Supermarkets in Argentina, Clothing Stores, and Their Unbeatable Quality Leather

Argentina is a vibrant and diverse country, and its shopping offerings reflect that cultural richness. From large fashion stores to popular markets and artisan fairs, there are options for every taste and wallet.

Below, I’ll tell you in a simple and organized way how to find the best supermarkets, where to buy fashionable clothing, where to look for leather goods, and which artisan workshops in apparel you can discover in the country.

Groceries: Where and How to Find Them?

Supermarkets: They are the most common and easiest option to find in cities and towns. Some well-known chains are Carrefour, Coto, Jumbo, and Día. There you can buy everything from fresh food to cleaning products and household items.

Neighborhood Stores: These are small shops run by their owners, ideal for last-minute or emergency purchases. They usually carry basics like bread, milk, cold cuts, drinks, and wine. Their hours are often continuous, from morning until 9 PM, and some even until midnight.

Greengrocers: In Argentina, it is very common to see stands on streets or sidewalks selling high-quality fruits, vegetables, or meat. The service is personalized and the products are fresh—especially the meat, which is one of the most consumed foods by Argentines.

Butcher Shops: Argentine cuisine is distinguished by its intimate relationship with meat, especially beef, which stands out from other countries on three pillars: tradition, quality, and culture. Argentine ranching makes use of vast fertile lands and an ideal climate to raise grass-fed cattle, resulting in a characteristic flavor that is leaner and more natural than other fattening systems. This contrasts with countries that prioritize specific breeds or intensive methods, where the taste can be more uniform.

Argentine cuts, such as the asado de tira or vacío, are emblematic and reflect a unique butchering technique passed down through generations. Furthermore, local meat businesses—from neighborhood butcher shops to parrilla restaurants—maintain an artisanal focus. The Argentine grill is not only a cooking method but a social ritual: it is cooked slowly over charcoal or wood, highlighting smoky flavors that other countries often replicate with more industrial methods.

Culturally, meat is a symbol of gathering. While elsewhere it may be just another menu item, in Argentina it is the centerpiece of family gatherings and festivities. This combination of natural quality, tradition, and communal passion makes the Argentine meat experience truly unmatched.

Fairs and Markets

In many cities there are neighborhood fairs where producers sell their products directly. There you can find fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, and even homemade bread at good prices.

In general, supermarkets and stores are open every day, while fairs usually operate on specific days of the week.

Here are some of the best-known supermarket chains in Argentina where you can check prices and offers:

What Do Argentines Order When Eating Out? Their Most Delicious and Recommended Dishes

Asado: The quintessential Argentine grill, featuring cuts like vacío, entraña, and ribs, served with chimichurri.
Milanesa: Breaded cutlet (beef, chicken, or pork), often served as “milanesa napolitana” with tomato sauce, cheese, and ham.

Locro: A thick stew of corn, beans, squash, and meat; a patriotic dish eaten on national holidays.

Empanadas: Varieties by region: Tucumán-style (minced beef with cumin and hard-boiled egg), Salteñas (potato and hand-chopped meat), and Jujeñas (with peas and chili).
Revuelto de Gramajo: A mix of scrambled eggs, French fries, ham, and peas; a classic Buenos Aires budget dish.
Lentil Stew: A comforting preparation with chorizo, bacon, and vegetables, often highly ranked in popular polls.
Polenta: A versatile cornmeal base, served with Bolognese sauce, cheese, or fried.
Matambre Arrollado: Rolled flank steak stuffed with vegetables, egg, and olives, baked or grilled.
Choripán: Grilled sausage on French bread with chimichurri; a street-food icon at sports events.

Argentine Pizza: Thick crust and generous mozzarella, with variants like fugazzeta (onion and cheese).
Provoleta: Gratinated provolone cheese on the grill with herbs; a typical starter at asados.

Clothing Stores to Visit and the Quality of Argentine Leather in Their Garments

Argentina has a very active fashion industry, with local brands setting trends and offering options for every style.

Urban and Fashion Stores: Typically located in central areas of each city. You’ll find jeans ranging from ARS 30,000 to ARS 150,000 and T-shirts from ARS 3,000 to ARS 50,000, depending on what you’re looking for and where.
Once or Avellaneda: One of the cheapest clothing districts in Argentina. Located in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, it houses major wholesalers supplying interior-province shops at prices up to three times lower than typical retail stores.

Shopping Malls: In large cities, they gather many national and international brands, making it convenient to buy clothing, shoes, and accessories all in one place.
La Salada Fair: For low prices and variety, it’s South America’s largest fair in Ingeniero Budge (Lomas de Zamora). There, thousands of stalls sell pants, jackets, winter wear, and more at much lower prices than in malls.

Tips for Shopping at La Salada: Go early, bring cash, and if possible, shop with someone. There are no fitting rooms, but many stalls allow exchanges if the item doesn’t fit. There is also parking and private security.

Argentina is famous for the quality of its leather products. This is due to the country’s ranching tradition and the expertise of its artisans.

What Leather Products Are Available? Jackets, pants, skirts, handbags, belts, wallets, boots, and fashion accessories. Argentine leather garments are known for their durability and classic style.
Where to Buy Leather? In Buenos Aires, especially in neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo, you’ll find specialty leather shops offering high-quality garments and accessories. You can also find leather at artisan fairs and stores throughout the provinces. Leather is widely used by Argentine gauchos for saddles, boots, belts, and even jackets.
Artisanal Craftsmanship: Many of these pieces are handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations, giving each item a unique, artisanal value.
Below are links to shops where you can see prices and options:
Leder HD Lazaro

Regional Textiles and Handicrafts

It is also important to recognize the native garments of the provinces. Argentina has a rich artisanal tradition, especially in textiles and leather.

Northern and Patagonian Textiles: In provinces like Salta, Catamarca, and Patagonia, ponchos, ruanas, blankets, and scarves are made from sheep or llama wool, dyed with natural pigments and hand-woven. Each piece is unique and reflects the region’s culture.

Hand-woven Fabrics: Family workshops and cooperatives process wool from fleece to final weave using looms and traditional techniques. These products are sold at artisan fairs, regional markets, and specialty shops.

Leather Goods and Saddlery: Beyond leather garments, Argentine artisans produce handbags, belts, and items for traditional sports like polo. The quality of these products is internationally recognized.

International Recognition: Some workshops and artisanal brands have won awards from organizations like UNESCO for the quality and originality of their work.

Final Tips for Shopping in Argentina

Compare prices and quality before buying, especially at fairs and markets.
If you seek original, high-quality items, opt for artisanal products or local brands.
For leather goods, choose specialty shops or artisan fairs, where you can observe the crafting process and verify the material’s authenticity.
In crowded places like La Salada, safeguard your belongings and always check the exchange or return policies.

In summary, Argentina is an ideal country for those who love shopping: there are options for every taste, from the most modern urban fashion to traditional artisanal work, including classic leather goods and popular markets like La Salada. Exploring its shops and fairs is also a way to experience the culture and creativity of its people.

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Regards,
María Eugenia
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