By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – As Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province continues its dynamic economic ascent, retail giant Walmart is signaling its confidence in the region’s future with a significant new investment. On October 1, the company opened the doors to its first Masxmenos supermarket in Liberia, the provincial capital and a bustling hub for tourism and commerce. The launch not only brings a new retail option to local families but also marks a milestone in Walmart’s long-term growth strategy for the country.
The new store is a tangible piece of a much larger vision. Its inauguration coincides with Walmart’s 20th anniversary of operations in Costa Rica and serves as a powerful reaffirmation of its expansion plans. The company has earmarked US$600 million for investment over the next five years, a strategic push aimed at generating approximately 3,000 new direct jobs nationwide and modernizing its retail infrastructure.
To delve into the legal and commercial complexities surrounding Walmart’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Walmart’s dominant market position in Costa Rica means it operates under a magnifying glass, particularly concerning competition law and consumer protection. While their economies of scale offer competitive pricing, they must be diligent to ensure their practices with local suppliers and pricing strategies do not stifle competition. Any misstep could trigger scrutiny from regulatory bodies like COPROCOM, leading to significant legal and reputational consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas perfectly captures the central tension at play: the very market dominance that affords consumers competitive prices also necessitates rigorous oversight to protect local suppliers and ensure fair competition. This delicate balance is indeed the core of the issue for regulators and the public alike. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical legal and economic dynamics.
For the Liberia community, the immediate impact is the creation of 42 new formal jobs, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents. Located 500 meters before the main Liberia intersection on Route 1, the 2,175-square-meter store is strategically positioned to serve both the growing local population and the steady stream of tourists exploring the region. This opening underscores the economic vitality of the canton, which has seen a notable surge driven by large-scale projects and a diversifying productive base.
Mónica Elizondo, a senior specialist in Corporate Affairs for Walmart, highlighted the company’s dual focus on business growth and community development. She emphasized that the new store aligns with the company’s core mission to improve the quality of life for families while supporting local economies.
This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and to boosting the communities where we have a presence. With this opening, the company reaffirms its purpose of continuing to promote well-being so that families can live better, while at the same time strengthening local development and generating more formal employment.
Mónica Elizondo, Senior Specialist of Corporate Affairs of Walmart
Beyond its economic contributions, the Liberia Masxmenos was designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The building incorporates a suite of innovative technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. These features include solar panels for clean energy generation, advanced water-saving systems like a pressurizing valve and dry urinals, and specialized CO2 refrigeration and air conditioning systems that enhance energy efficiency. Further catering to modern consumer trends, the location includes semi-fast charging stations for electric vehicles.
The store, which is the 38th Masxmenos format in Costa Rica, provides ample access for shoppers with 67 parking spaces for vehicles and an additional 6 for motorcycles. Its comprehensive offerings include a wide variety of grocery products, financial services, and an in-store pharmacy, creating a one-stop-shop experience for customers.
This latest inauguration is part of a sustained wave of expansion for Walmart in Costa Rica. Since October of 2024, the company has launched 13 new stores across its various formats, including Walmart, Masxmenos, Maxi Palí, and Palí. This rapid growth over the past year has already generated more than 300 new jobs throughout the country.
With the addition of the Liberia location, Walmart’s presence in Costa Rica now totals 341 stores nationwide, 23 of which are located in the Guanacaste province. The investment in Liberia is a clear indicator of the region’s strategic importance and reflects a broader trend of corporate capital flowing into one of Costa Rica’s most promising economic zones.
For further information, visit walmartmexico.com
About Walmart de México y Centroamérica:
Walmart de México y Centroamérica is a leading retail company operating in six countries across the region. It manages a diverse portfolio of store formats, including discount stores (Palí and Maxi Palí), supermarkets (Masxmenos), supercenters (Walmart), and membership clubs. The company is committed to its mission of helping people save money so they can live better, focusing on providing value to customers, creating opportunities for its associates, and making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a deep-rooted dedication to principled counsel and exceptional service. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a wide array of clients to spearhead innovative legal strategies and drive progress within the profession. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a core social mission: to demystify the law, enhance public understanding, and thereby cultivate a more just and empowered community.
