For several years, Mendoza has maintained a steady flow of travelers to Chile. An economic motive was added to mountain routes and traditional tourist destinations: the search for lower prices for clothing, shoes and accessories.
While a decade ago Chileans crossed the mountain range to take advantage of the Argentine offer, the current trend has reversed. Today, the attraction lies on the other side of the border, where Argentine purchasing power finds a more favorable margin, especially in clothing and shoes.
Press poll for Mall Vivo Coquimbo and Courtyard outlet It has been used to check price differences on various items.
Exchange equivalence and value references
To organize the comparison, estimate Eq 1 Chilean Peso (CLP) = 1.54 Argentine Peso (ARS)or 1 Argentine peso ≈ 0.65 Turkish lira. From this reference, all prices are expressed in CLP, with indicative conversion in ARS.
Examples of equivalence:
- 10,000 Chilean pesos ≈ 15,400 Argentine pesos.
- 25,000 Chilean pesos ≈ 38,500 Argentine pesos.
- 50,000 Chilean pesos ≈ 77,000 Argentine pesos.
- 75,000 Chilean pesos ≈ 115,500 Argentine pesos.
- 100,000 Chilean pesos ≈ 154,000 Argentine pesos.
Clothing: Favorable gap for Chile
At VIVO Coquimbo Mall, the survey showed a wide display of international and local brands with final sizes and prices visible. In stores like H&MBasic jeans start from 15,000 Libyan pesoswhile Maui and his sons Offers alternatives to 13,000 Libyan pesos. Trademarks Levy and Wrangler They display prices around 50,000 Libyan pesosequivalent 77,000 pesosin front of 198,000 pesos What a similar model might cost in Argentina, OR 134,000 pesos In promotion.
Average jeans prices:
- H&M / Local brands: starting from 15,000 Chilean pesos.
- Maui & Sons: from 13,000 Chilean pesos.
- Levi/Wrangler: about 50,000 Chilean pesos.
Featured in 100% cotton H&M Basics t-shirts 6,990 Libyan pesoswhile those atomic appear in 4,792 Libyan pesos As final price. Meanwhile, there is basic pique 17,216 Libyan pesoswith standard fit and finish.
Shirt prices:
- H&M: 6,990 Chilean pesos.
- Atomic: 4,792 Chilean pesos.
- Basic Pique: 17,216 Chilean pesos.
The jerseys also reflect the gap between the two countries. in chile, Adidas Models sell between 12,000 and 30,000 Lebanese poundswhile row Offers options from 9,000 Libyan pesos. In Argentina, similar values only exist on international online platforms, although there is no equivalence in materials or construction.
Shoes: An advantage for the Chilean side
In sports shoes, running models are average 40,000 Lebanese poundswhich is equivalent to 61,600 pesosin front of 100,000 pesos On average in Argentinian stores.
the Adidas GazelleFor example, they are among 69,990 and 99,990 Libyan pesos (≈ 104,000-149,000 pesos), while in the Argentine market they fall in between 118,999 and 169,999 pesos.
Coats and jackets: a wide range of prices
For coats, prices vary depending on the brand and type of clothing. A O’Neill windbreaker Costs 29,990 Libyan pesosWhile the jacket US Polo Assn. The number is in 49,990 Libyan pesoswith discounts that can bring it down to 19,990 Libyan pesos. For her part, Levi Sherpa is a truck driver Up to 99,990 Libyan pesosand He tore the braid Complete the range between 59,990 and 129,990 Libyan pesosaccording to the line.
Jacket prices:
- O’Neill Windbreaker: 29,990 Chilean pesos.
- US Polo Assn.: 49,990 Chilean pesos (final price from 19,990 Chilean pesos).
- Levi Sherpa Truck Driver: 99,990 Chilean Pesos.
Outlets: Promotions and 3×2
In outlets, the differences are not always as wide as in shopping malls, although the promotion format improves the average price of an item of clothing. in Courtyard outletthe banner highlights quantity discounts, e.g 3×2 At Levi’s, where you can buy three pairs of jeans for $1 80,000 Lebanese poundswith individual units of 40,000 Lebanese pounds.
Outlet jeans prices:
- Levi’s 3×2: Three pairs of jeans for approximately 80,000 Chilean pesos.
- Single fiber: from 40,000 Chilean pesos.
- American “Balloon Man”: 31,992 Chilean pesos.
On the T-shirts, the units are displayed in 14,990 Libyan pesosor in groups 2x by 24,990 Libyan pesoswhich reduces the final cost. Promotions are repeated in divers, with DC blouses to 29,990 Libyan pesos And the basics in between 15,990 and 24,990 Chilean pesoscan be combined with discounts on T-shirts.
Divers in port:
- DC with hood: 29,990 Chilean pesos.
- Basic: 15,990-24,990 Chilean pesos.
- Combo with 2 T-shirts: 24,990-29,990 Chilean pesos.
In outdoor shoes, North face Provides final prices for 69,990, 63,990 and 47,990 Libyan pesosvalues that in Argentina are equivalent to more pairs than 150,000 pesosequivalent 97,000 Lebanese pounds Depending on the parity used.
Preferences and tourist flow
Trade also expects the arrival of Argentine tourists. Local residents confirm that the largest flow begins around December 10coinciding with holidays and seasonal promotions. The most popular searches focus on Nike, Levy and North face.
Some Argentine buyers confirmed that prices make a difference. A young visitor told MDZ she bought “thirteen items for $95, including pants, shirts and underwear.” According to current promotions, it is possible to combine a pair of jeans, three T-shirts and a pair of sneakers for less than 150,000 Lebanese pounds.
The survey shows that Chilean outlets They retain great advantages in clothing and footwear in relation to Argentine values. Competitive pricing, quantity promotions and size availability explain why many Mendoza residents continue to choose to cross the mountain range. A common strategy is to combine both methods: first the outlet to take advantage of sales and end of season, then the malls to complete the sizes or colors.
This dynamic that returns every summer, Promotes Chile as a regional shopping destination, With a price and promotion structure that today maintains a clear difference compared to Argentina.
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