Mérida, Yucatán — El Buen Fin is ramping up again, and 4,000 businesses in Yucatán are already signed up for the weekend promotion, with many more expected to participate. The national effort, which kicks off the Christmas shopping season, is Nov 13-16 this year.
Shoppers can spot an El Buen Fin participant by a tell-tale red-and-white sign.
Inspired by Black Friday in the U.S., the “good weekend” began in 2011 and is organized in part by the Confederation of National Chambers of Trade, Services and Tourism (Canaco Servytur). Department stores, supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores, shoe stores, bookstores, automobile showrooms, restaurants and hotels all post better-than-typical discounts for goods and services. Shops also extend hours and extend credit terms.
Some of the more exceptional bargains already announced:
Garcia: 30 percent off jeans
Devlyn Optical: 70 percent off selected frames
Baby Outlet: 40 percent discount, all brands
And various discounts in: Costco, Chedraui, Dormimundo mattresses, La Europea wine and liquors, Famsa, Fiesta Americana Hotels, Liverpool, Sanborns, Sears, Suburbia and Walmart.
Go online to get discounts from out-of-town retailers. Swanky Palacio de Hierro has yet to open in Mérida, but this coupon website has discounts for that and other national chains.