Grocery Shopping in Florianópolis: From Supermarkets to Feiras

Grocery shopping in Brazil offers a unique experience, blending modern supermarkets with traditional markets. Here's what you need to know:

Supermarket Chains in Florianópolis

For your everyday grocery needs, you'll find various supermarket chains in Florianópolis, ranging from large hypermarkets to more local options:

• Angeloni Supermercados A well-known chain in the Southern region, Angeloni is an upscale option. They offer a wide selection of products, including imported items and specialty foods. Several outlets are available across the island. The larger locations provide household goods, and the Angeloni Hypermarket on the Beiramar includes a good selection of appliances.

• Supermercados Imperatriz Another popular supermarket chain in Florianópolis. Imperatriz caters to a broad range of shoppers with competitive prices and a diverse selection of products.

  
  

• Fort Atacadista If you're looking to buy groceries in bulk, Fort Atacadista is an excellent option. This "atacado" (wholesale) market offers significant savings, particularly for larger households or those who like to stock up.

  
  

• Carrefour: A large international chain with a hypermarket in Florianópolis. They offer a wide range of groceries and other products, including a selection of appliances.

  
  

Exploring Florianópolis's Local Markets ("Feiras")

To experience the local culture and find the freshest produce, don't miss Florianópolis's vibrant markets:

• Feiras Livres: These open-air markets take place on specific days in different neighborhoods throughout the city. "Feiras Livres" are the best places to find fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local produce directly from the producers. You can often find organic products and unique regional specialties at very affordable prices.

  
  

• Direto do Campo: A covered market for fruits and vegetables with multiple outlets connected to small stalls selling fish, meat, cheese, and other food. We always go to the market in Agronómica. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a visit for the wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables. Be sure to try the different cheese flavors if you're into that. Don't miss the freshly made Caldo de Cana right next to the entrance.

  
  

• Mercado Público de Florianópolis: Florianópolis's Municipal Market is a historic landmark and a must-visit for food lovers. Here, you'll find stalls selling fresh seafood, spices, artisanal products, and traditional Brazilian food. It's also a great place to experience the local atmosphere and sample regional cuisine.

  
  

Tips for Grocery Shopping in Floripa

• Bring your own bags: While some supermarkets provide plastic bags, it's increasingly common (and environmentally friendly) to bring your own reusable shopping bags.

  
  

• "Sacolão" for fresh produce: You might encounter the term "sacolão," which refers to smaller fruit and vegetable stores. These stores often have a high turnover of produce, ensuring freshness, and may offer better prices on certain items.

  
  

• Embrace padaria culture: Most supermarkets in Brazil have a "padaria" (bakery) section, offering various fresh bread, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. Don't miss the chance to try some local bread varieties!

  
  

• Payment options: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in supermarkets. However, carrying some cash (Reais) for smaller markets, "feiras," and local shops is advisable.

  
  

Navigating Online Shopping and Delivery in Florianópolis

Online shopping and delivery services are rapidly expanding in Brazil, offering convenience and a growing range of options for residents of Florianópolis.

Major Online Marketplaces in Brazil

• Mercado Livre As Brazil's largest e-commerce platform, Mercado Livre is similar to eBay or Amazon. It offers a vast selection of products, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and more. It's a popular choice for finding both new and used items, and many sellers offer competitive prices and delivery options.

  
  

• Amazon Brasil Amazon has established a strong presence in Brazil, providing a wide range of products, from books and electronics to household items and groceries. Amazon.com.br is known for its reliable delivery services and customer support. Note: Check if the item is an international or domestic delivery as delivery times may vary significantly.

  
  

Convenient Grocery Delivery Apps

Several apps and online services make grocery shopping in Florianópolis even easier:

• iFood: While iFood is best known for restaurant delivery, it also partners with many supermarkets and local markets to offer grocery delivery services. Check the app for Android or iOS to see which stores in your area provide this option.

  
  

• Rappi: This on-demand delivery app for Android and iOS allows you to order various products, including groceries, pharmacy items, and items from convenience stores. Rappi is known for its fast delivery times and “anything you need” approach.

  
  

Online Grocery Shopping from Supermarkets

Many supermarket chains in Florianópolis also offer online grocery shopping and home delivery, either via their website or through the delivery apps mentioned earlier.

Everyday Shopping Essentials in Florianópolis

Beyond groceries, here are some essential shopping destinations you'll need to know about in Florianópolis:

Pharmacies ("Farmácias" or "Drogarias")

Pharmacies are readily available throughout Florianópolis, offering various products:

• You'll find both prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with personal care items, cosmetics, and hygiene products.

  
  

• Popular pharmacy chains in Florianópolis include:

- Raia/Drogasil Two of the largest pharmacy chains in Brazil have merged, providing a comprehensive selection of products.

- Panvel Farmácias A common pharmacy chain in Southern Brazil, Panvel is known for its quality products and excellent customer service.

Convenience Stores ("Lojas de Conveniência")

"Lojas de conveniência" are typically found at gas stations and offer a convenient way to purchase essential items.

• You can find snacks, drinks, basic groceries, toiletries, and other daily necessities. These stores often have extended hours, making them useful for late-night or early-morning purchases.

  
  

Shopping for Household Goods in Florianópolis

For those setting up a new home, Florianópolis offers various stores where you can find household essentials:

• Millium Offers a range of household goods, from kitchenware to cleaning supplies, with several outlets across the island and the mainland.

  
  

• Havan A large department store chain where you can find various products, including household items with several outlets across the island and the mainland.

  
  

• Smaller Shops: Many smaller, independent shops throughout the city, like mix utilidades in the city center.

  
  

Where to Buy Electrodomestics in Florianópolis

If you're looking for appliances, you'll find several options in Florianópolis. However, traditional super-sized electronics stores aren't as common:

• Shops in the City Centre and Malls: Retailers like Koerich and Magazine Luiza in the city center and major shopping malls offer appliance selections.

  
  

• Hypermarkets: Larger supermarkets like Angeloni (Beiramar) and Carrefour often have dedicated sections for appliances.

  
  

• Millium and Havan: These stores also offer some smaller appliances.

  
  

• Electrolux Outlet Shop For Electrolux appliances, consider visiting their outlet store for potential deals.

  
  

• Cassol While primarily known for construction materials, Cassol also carries some appliances.

  
  

Home Improvement and Furniture Shops in Florianópolis

For home improvement projects, furniture, and decorative items, you'll find a range of stores in Florianópolis:

• Casa & Design: Offers designer furniture and home decor items.

  
  

• Tok & Stok A popular furniture and home accessories chain with modern designs at budget prices.

  
  

• Cassol: In addition to appliances and electrodomestics, Cassol also provides a variety of construction materials and home improvement products.

  
  

• Leroy Merlin A large home improvement retailer where you can find everything from building materials to tools and decorative items.

  
  

• Compensados Fernandes Offers wood products and materials for home construction and renovation with several locations on the island and mainland.

  
  

Note: A separate blog post with more detailed information about furniture stores in and around Florianópolis will be coming soon.

Shopping Malls in Florianópolis

For a more comprehensive shopping experience, Florianópolis offers several modern shopping malls:

• Floripa Shopping: A large mall with various stores, including international and Brazilian brands, a food court, cinema, and other entertainment options.

  
  

• Beiramar Shopping: An upscale mall that focuses on high-end brands, attracting a sophisticated clientele and offering a refined shopping atmosphere with waterfront views.

  
  

• Shopping Iguatemi Florianópolis: Known for its modern architecture and a mix of local and international stores, providing a stylish shopping environment with a range of dining options.

  
  

Tips for Newcomers to Florianópolis

• Obtain a CPF: To make online purchases, especially on Brazilian websites, and for various other transactions, you'll likely need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), which is an individual taxpayer identification number.

  
  

• Learn basic Portuguese: While some English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Portuguese will significantly enhance your daily life and make shopping much easier.

  
  

• Explore your neighborhood: Florianópolis is made up of many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and local shops, markets, and services. Take the time to explore your surroundings and discover your favorite places to shop.

  
  

By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to navigating the shopping scene in Florianópolis like a local. Enjoy exploring all the flavors, finds, and convenience that this beautiful city has to offer! --wix--