The precursor of today's modern, western style shopping malls in Lima surely is the "commercial gallery" Galerias Boza. Opened already in 1956 at the famous Jr. de la Union in the city center it was for nearly 20 years the most luxurious and modern shopping facility of the capital. Unfortunately, it never recovered after it partly burnt down in 1975. In the 1960s they opened two small commercial centers: the Centro Comercial Todos in San Isidro near the Via Expresa and the Centro Comercial Risso in Lince at Av. Arequipa block 22, which is still operating. In 1973 Miraflores got its first, even though with only 23 boutiques and a coffee shop, a small commercial center, the famous 'Avant-Garde'. Sadly, today only a few stores are left.

In the 1970s and 1980s many middle sized shopping malls were opened: Plaza San Miguel, still operating, modernized, extended and very popular, Higuerta, an accumulation of many small stores and back then with two big retailers, the commercial center Arenales, as well still in business, and Camino Real in San Isidro, "the" shopping center of the 1980s, but today nothing compared to its former splendor. Other malls opened in the 1980s were the Plaza Camacho, the Molicentro, Caminos del Inca and El Polo. They remodeled all in the last years to meet modern standards and to compete against the new, ultramodern shopping malls popping up in Lima.

Since 1997, a new generation of shopping malls conquered the capital of Peru. Starting with Lima's showpiece mall, the Jockey Plaza, today's shopping centers turn into meeting places, like the main square in former times, offering its customers next to all possible shopping facilities also all kinds of entertainment, fairs and exhibitions. After this model places like Larcomar, Marina Park, Real Plaza Primavera, Plaza Norte, Lima Plaza Sur, Molina Plaza and many more were built.

The traditional way of shopping for fresh fruits, veggies, meat and groceries in Lima is going to the local mercado (market). However, in the last 10 years the capital of Peru was plastered with many modern big supermarkets and hypermarkets, so many people changed their behavior and more and more Limeños use this efficient way of shopping. While prices might be a little higher in supermarkets than on the market around the corner, the variety of local and imported products is quite good, and especially for imported goods improved steadily in the last years.

Most supermarkets offer next to a wide range of breads, fruits and veggies, meat, poultry, fish, baby supplies, animal stuff, frozen foods and other groceries, also household supplies, clothes, stationary and toys. Nothing compared to an American Wallmart or Target, but for many a good way to do their weekly shopping or just to get a glass of their favorite peanut butter, an imported cheese, chocolate or sweets from back home or a good bottle of wine. While there might be still a few food items from your home country missing, the variety of local products easily can compensate for that.

All big supermarkets accept cash payments in Soles or Dollar. Visa Credit Cards are also a common method of payment (as foreigner take your Passport or Carne with you, as a national your DNI). Some supermarkets even offer online shopping, including the service of bringing your purchases to your doorstep. The five big supermarket chains in Peru are open Monday to Sunday and almost all public holidays, while the actual opening hours vary from location to location. Most open between 08.00 am and 09.00 am and close at around 10.00 pm.

Visiting a market in a foreign country is always a fascinating experience. While strolling around you learn so much about the local lifestyle and customs that no book, no museum and no tourist attraction can teach you. Peru's markets are no exception. Every city neighborhood has its own bigger or smaller fruit and veggie market, where you also find fresh meat, poultry and fish. And within or around the actual marketplace you additionally can buy all your groceries needed for preparing a delicious dish, have a simple lunch and get among many other things, for example household items. When entering a market hall in Peru the various colors, smells and tumult around you might overwhelm you. Vendors offer their products enthusiastically while customers argue about prices and freely taste before buying.

Stunning in Peru's markets is the great variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs from all over the country reflecting the rich biodiversity of the country. Most merchants are friendly and more than happy to explain the origin of for you unknown fruits or veggies and their preparation. In the last few years, Peruvians and expats living in the country got more conscious when buying food. To meet the growing demand for bio food, not only many shops selling organic produce but also so called 'Bioferias', organic food markets, opened their doors.

At the end of the 19th century one of the first department stores in Latin America was opened in Lima, but back then shopping was only reserved to the upper class. In 1955, a second department store chain started business in the capital and Peruvian middle-class families slowly could afford and enjoy shopping at a department store. During Peru's economic collapse with hyper-inflation and terrorism in the 1980s, the business was nearly dead. But with the overall recovery of the country in the late 1990s and the increasing purchasing power of some department stores finally found their way back to Peru.

Today Peru is home to many western style department stores belonging to the three major retail players Oechsle, Ripley and Saga Falabella. Here you find everything from local and imported fashionable clothes including well-known brands, shoes, perfumes and beauty products, toys, electric household and entertainment appliances, toys, furniture, home decoration and much more. All three have their own bank, accommodating their customers with cash and credit cards.

You can make payment in cash Soles or Dollars. Visa and Master Credit Cards are also a common method of payment (as a foreigner take your Passport or Carne with you, as a national your DNI).