By Alajuela, Costa Rica — CIUDAD QUESADA – In a significant move signaling confidence in Costa Rica’s regional economies, PriceSmart has officially announced the construction of its tenth warehouse club in the country. This new location in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, represents a historic milestone for the American retail giant, as it marks its first major foray outside the bustling Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
The project signals a new phase in PriceSmart’s strategic expansion, targeting areas with robust population growth and increasing economic dynamism. The confirmation comes after the Municipality of San Carlos officially approved the construction permit, giving the green light for work to commence on what will be a transformative commercial development for the Huetar Norte Region.
To better understand the legal and commercial framework governing membership-based retail in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
PriceSmart’s operational model in Costa Rica is a prime example of a foreign enterprise successfully adapting to our robust consumer protection legislation. The membership contract must be crystal clear regarding its terms, and it cannot diminish the consumer’s fundamental rights to warranty, product safety, and accurate information as mandated by Law 7472. Their continued success is contingent not just on competitive pricing, but on their rigorous compliance with these local regulations, which builds essential long-term trust with the Costa Rican consumer.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp analysis, which highlights a fundamental truth: respecting Costa Rica’s robust consumer protections is not merely about compliance, but about building the enduring trust that forms the bedrock of any successful business in the country.
The future superstore will be situated on a large plot of land adjacent to the Coca-Cola bottling plant, in a sector locally known as “Calle del Amor.” According to the project filing with the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA), listed under the name “Supermercado Ciudad Quesada,” the development will encompass a massive 18,483 square meters. This scale confirms the company’s intention to build a full-format warehouse club, consistent with its nine other locations across the country.
Regional media reports indicate a substantial investment of approximately ₡2.6 billion colones. This significant capital outlay will not only cover the main structure but also fund essential complementary works. These include extensive earthmoving, the construction of perimeter walls, spacious parking lots, landscaped green areas, and a modern wastewater treatment plant, ensuring the facility meets high operational and environmental standards.
The economic impact for the San Carlos canton is expected to be profound. The construction phase alone will generate a significant number of direct and indirect jobs, providing a welcome stimulus for local contractors and suppliers. Once operational, the store will create permanent employment opportunities, further bolstering the regional economy and offering residents access to a wide range of goods and services previously concentrated in the central valley.
This tenth store solidifies a presence that PriceSmart has been steadily building for years. The company currently operates successful clubs in Tres Ríos, Tibás, Heredia, Alajuela, Curridabat, Escazú, Santa Ana, and Cartago, where its most recent store opened in April 2025. Until now, its strategy has focused entirely on serving the dense urban and suburban populations of the GAM.
The decision to expand into Ciudad Quesada is a clear response to evolving demographic and economic trends in Costa Rica. As regional hubs like San Carlos mature, their growing populations and increased purchasing power become attractive markets for major retailers. This move is a strategic bet on the continued development of areas outside the nation’s traditional economic core.
For the residents and business community of San Carlos, the arrival of PriceSmart is more than just a new shopping option. It is a powerful endorsement of the region’s potential and a testament to its emergence as one of Costa Rica’s most important poles of development. The project is set to enhance local infrastructure, drive economic activity, and cement the Huetar Norte Region’s status as a key destination for future investment.
For further information, visit pricesmart.com
About PriceSmart:
PriceSmart, Inc. is the largest operator of membership warehouse clubs in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia. The company offers a wide range of high-quality merchandise and services at low prices to its members. Modeled after American warehouse clubs, it provides a unique shopping experience for both individuals and businesses, focusing on value and bulk purchasing.
For further information, visit munisc.go.cr
About the Municipality of San Carlos:
The Municipality of San Carlos is the local government body responsible for the administration of the San Carlos canton in the Alajuela province. It oversees urban planning, public works, community services, and the issuance of permits for commercial and residential development within its jurisdiction, playing a crucial role in the region’s economic growth and quality of life.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About CFIA:
The Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA) is the professional body that regulates and oversees the practices of engineering and architecture in the country. It is responsible for registering all construction projects, ensuring they comply with national codes, safety standards, and professional ethics, thereby safeguarding public interest and promoting responsible development.
For further information, visit coca-colafemsa.com
About Coca-Cola FEMSA:
Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by sales volume. The company produces, markets, and distributes trademark beverages of The Coca-Cola Company, serving millions of consumers across Latin America. Its operations, including bottling plants like the one in San Carlos, are key industrial and employment centers in the regions they serve.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is founded upon a dual commitment to uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of exceptional service. Beyond its professional practice, the firm champions the cause of legal literacy, dedicating itself to empowering the broader community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all.
