Shopping in Panama is an extremely important activity, not only because it drives the local economy and expands trade, but also because of its multiple benefits that have been attracting international tourists for several decades. As we approach the months where shopping has a dramatic growth due to the end-of-year holidays and Black Weekend, is the best moment to have Bonny Sanchez, General Manager of Los Andes Mall and current president of the Panamanian Association of Shopping Centers (APACECOM) as our Special Guess. A high-profile professional specialized in business growth, reserved her valuable time to provide The Visitor – El Visitante with insights into this industry and how it continues to boost tourism in Panama.
What is the current status of shopping in Panama this year compared to last year?
“2025 is marking sustained growth for the retail sector compared to 2024. We have recorded an 8% increase in visitor traffic to shopping centers, along with greater dynamism in the opening of new local and international brands, reflecting investor confidence in our country.
At the same time, shopping tourism has been strengthened thanks to the coordinated work with strategic allies: airlines, hotels, tour operators, and government entities, which, together with APACECOM, we are promoting to expand our international market and consolidate Panama as a regional shopping hub”.
What continues to differentiate Panama from the rest of the region in terms of shopping?
“Panama has unique advantages: air connectivity with the Hub of the Americas, the dollarization of its economy, the concentration of more than 16 modern shopping centers within a radius of just a few kilometers, and a wide range of international brands, many of them exclusive to the region. Added to this is the fact that we are a safe, accessible country with tax benefits in certain segments, which consolidates us as the regional hub for shopping tourism”.
How has shopping culture changed in Panama, and what retailers and malls had to do to adapt?
“Today’s consumer, both local and foreign, seeks holistic experiences, not just products. Shopping culture has transformed into a social and tourist activity that blends shopping, entertainment, and recreation.
Therefore, malls in Panama have reinvented themselves, integrating family entertainment, varied cuisine, coworking, cultural exhibits, and live events that make every visit vibrant. At the same time, retailers have strengthened their digital presence with loyalty programs, personalized promotions, and more personal and professional customer service, aimed at a demanding, informed, and connected audience. In this sense, Panama doesn’t just offer products: it offers a valuable experience, turning our malls into true tourist destinations”.
Black Weekend is coming in October. What are the expectations for tourism and how are you preparing for this highly anticipated event?
“The Panama Black Weekend is the biggest shopping tourism event in the region. It’s not just about discounts, but an economic and social movement that positions Panama as the most important shopping hub in Latin America.
What we can say is that this campaign is one of the largest shopping tourism campaigns in the region, and we have prepared together with PROMTUR, ATP, airlines, hotels, retailers, and strategic partners to surpass last year’s results, consolidating Panama as a world-class shopping destination and as a true country brand”.
Nothing is static, especially in the world we live in today. Where is the mall experience evolving in our country?
“Malls in Panama are no longer just shopping spaces: they are true centers of multifaceted experiences. Today, they converge entertainment, gastronomy, culture, technology, and tourism, offering a comprehensive experience that connects consumption with recreation and lifestyle.
We are seeing trends that go beyond the commercial: the incorporation of sustainable infrastructure, digital experiences such as augmented reality, and marketplaces that merge the physical with the digital. Added to this are alliances with the cultural and tourism sectors, which allow malls to position themselves as destinations, attractive to local consumers and international visitors.
In conclusion, Panamanian malls have become living ecosystems of consumption, leisure, and culture, capable of adapting to the new visitor profile and projecting Panama as a regional hub for retail and entertainment experiences, on par with the world’s major capitals”.
Photos courtesy: Bonny Sanchez – APACECOM.