# Cuba neighborhood market retail transformation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-neighborhood-market-retail-transformation > Updated: 2026-09-21T05:37:27.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Authorities in Santiago de Cuba and across the country have begun implementing the ‘Mercados de Barrio’ (Neighborhood Markets) model to transform retail access to basic services. Under Resolution 16/2026 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, the initiative aims to modernize the existing network of warehouses, butcher shops, and markets to bring essential food, hygiene, and cleaning products closer to the population. To encourage participation from various entities—including state enterprises, cooperatives, and MSMEs (mipymes)—the government is offering fiscal incentives. These include property lease exemptions for the first two years and a 5% reduction in sales tax for non-state actors. The first 24 neighborhood markets have been launched, with officials stating they prioritize essential goods at prices between 10% and 15% lower than other retailers. Despite the rollout of these markets to mitigate shortages, food prices in Cuba remain subject to significant volatility and regional disparities. While some markets have reported decreases in the cost of oil, sugar, and beans, others have seen price increases for staples such as meat and eggs. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Cuba launches first neighborhood markets to stabilize food supply Cuba has established 24 new neighborhood markets to improve food access and lower prices through tax incentives, though significant price disparities for staples persist across different locations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-launches-first-neighborhood-markets-to-stabilize-food-supply ### 2026-09-15: Santiago de Cuba implements Neighborhood Market model for basic services Santiago de Cuba is introducing ‘Mercados de Barrio’ to transform retail access to basic goods through a network of bodegas and markets managed by various economic actors. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-de-cuba-implements-neighborhood-market-model-for-basic-services --- Cite as: Cuba neighborhood market retail transformation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-neighborhood-market-retail-transformation