Shopping in Chile: Which brands are most popular with Argentinians?

During the first months of 2025, Chilean shopping centers experienced exponential growth in the number of Argentine visitors . According to data from Mallplaza , the shopping center subsidiary of the Falabella group , the number of tourists from the neighboring country almost quadrupled compared to the same period last year.

Mall Marina Arauco (Viña del Mar, Chile) - Courtesy of Agencia Uno

Agency One

- The most notable case was recorded at Mallplaza La Serena , located in the Fourth Region and connected to the Argentine province of San Juan via the Agua Negra international crossing. Between January and May 2025, the shopping center received 278% more Argentine visitors than in 2024.

- The second largest increase was observed at Mallplaza Trébol, in the city of Concepción , where visits from Argentina grew by 269% in the same period .

- Although the figures in the Santiago Metropolitan Region were more moderate, the increase is still significant: Mallplaza Oeste reported a 99% growth , while Mallplaza Vespucio and Mallplaza Egaña registered increases of 75% and 74%, respectively.

Marina Arauco Mall, Viña del Mar (Chile)

The most popular brands among Argentine tourists continue to be international clothing and sports brands.

- Zara , H&M, Adidas , Decathlon, and Nike are among the most popular brands. These brands account for a significant portion of the retail trade associated with shopping tourism, reinforcing the fact that price differentials remain a key factor in explaining the phenomenon.

The surge in Argentine visits to Chilean malls is occurring in a context marked by the relative stability of the Chilean peso and an attractive retail offering.

Mendoza residents ravage the Zara store in the Marina Mall in Chile.

Land and air connectivity, as well as the infrastructure of shopping centers, facilitate this type of regional travel. Furthermore, the phenomenon was favored by seasons such as Easter and long weekends , when many Argentines cross the Andes to take advantage of price differences, promotions, or greater availability of certain products.