Brand Fit Snapshot
Best for:
Not ideal if:
Similar properties you might like:
Quick assessment - takes 30 seconds
Plaza Cartago is a mid-sized shopping center in Cartago, Costa Rica, with a gross leasable area of 25,000 square meters across two levels, constructed in 2010. It features 40 stores, anchored by major retailers Auto Mercado supermarket and GAP clothing store, catering to everyday shopping needs in a secondary market outside the capital San Jose. The tenant mix includes a balance of apparel, food and beverage outlets, and services, though shoppers express interest in more diverse options such as international dining, sustainable fashion, and family amenities like childrens play areas.
Located along Ruta 10 (Florencio del Castillo Highway), it benefits from high accessibility via major roads connecting to San Jose, 20 km away, with 500 parking spaces supporting vehicle-dependent traffic in this suburban area.
Market position in Cartago, a historic and religious hub with a population of about 150,000 within 10 km, positions it as a convenient local destination amid Costa Ricas retail sector, where secondary markets see occupancy rates typically around 85 percent but here at 8 percent indicating potential leasing opportunities or recent vacancies.
Rent levels average 20 USD per square meter monthly, competitive compared to San Joses 25-35 USD range, offering cost advantages for retailers entering this growing area with 0.8 percent annual population growth and average household income of 12,000 USD. Annual footfall reaches 1.2 million visitors, with average dwell time of 1.5 hours and 25 percent conversion rate, driven by local demographics of young families (average age 30, household size 3.1).
Leasing advantages include stable economic indicators like 6.9 percent unemployment and low cost of living index of 55, plus high digital presence with 85 percent online shopping preference aiding omnichannel strategies. However, challenges include high competition from two nearby centers, low safety perceptions despite CCTV and guards, and medium leasing activity, potentially impacted by broader market saturation in essential retail categories.
Overall, it suits retailers targeting middle-income consumers seeking value-oriented spaces, with 5 percent projected growth supporting long-term viability despite infrastructure aging since 2010.
Interested in this property?
Choose how you'd like to proceed
Advertise at this property?
Reach high-intent shoppers across digital screens, atria, and experiential placements.
Hours of Operation
Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM — 09:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM — 09:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM — 09:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM — 09:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM — 06:00 PM |
Hours may vary on public holidays. Check with individual stores for specific holiday schedules.
Insights
Demographics and Consumer Profile
The trade area within 10 km encompasses 150,000 residents with 0.8 percent annual growth, average age of 30 years, and household size of 3.1 persons, featuring 28 percent homeownership. Average annual income stands at 12,000 USD, with unemployment at 6.9 percent and cost of living index at 55 (New York=100). Consumer spending focuses on apparel at 2,000 USD yearly, dining at 400 USD, entertainment at 800 USD, and other categories at 300 USD, reflecting middle-income priorities for value-driven purchases in a family-oriented, religious community in Cartago province.
Tenant Mix and Occupancy Metrics
Plaza Cartago hosts 40 stores with anchors Auto Mercado and GAP, emphasizing essential retail in apparel (high level mix quality) and services, though visitors seek expanded family amenities, diverse dining including healthier options, and trendy sustainable fashion. Occupancy is low at 8 percent, below the regional 85-90 percent average for similar centers, signaling leasing potential amid medium activity levels and average unit sizes of 1,000 sqm. Rent averages 20 USD per sqm monthly, providing affordability compared to urban benchmarks, but risks include category weaknesses in entertainment and potential saturation in basic groceries.
Accessibility, Competition, and Risks
High accessibility via Ruta 10 highway and 500 parking spaces supports strong footfall of 100,000 monthly visitors (1.2 million annually), with 1.5-hour average dwell time and 25 percent conversion rate. Good infrastructure aids operations, but faces high competition intensity from two nearby malls like Plaza Iztaru, potentially diverting traffic in this secondary market. Risks encompass low safety levels (CCTV and guards only), economic pressures from 6.9 percent unemployment, and aging facilities since 2010, alongside market factors like 30 percent e-commerce adoption eroding physical visits; growth potential at 5 percent annually offers mitigation through planned expansions and monthly events boosting 20 percent attendance.
Building Details
Detailed Market Analytics
City Snapshot
Cartago
Comprehensive market intelligence for retail expansion in this city
Other Retail Destinations in Cartago
Discover more shopping centers in Cartago.
Popular in Costa Rica
Top retail destinations across Costa Rica.
Interested in this property?
Choose how you'd like to proceed
Advertise at this property?
Reach high-intent shoppers across digital screens, atria, and experiential placements.
City Snapshot
Cartago
Comprehensive market intelligence for retail expansion in this city