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Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, August 18, 2025 – PriceSmart, the leading chain of membership shopping Clubs in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia, proudly announced today the opening of its first Club in Quetzaltenango. This new location consolidates the company's presence in Guatemala with a total of seven clubs and 56 across the region.

Strategically located at 0 Calle 37-120, Zone 8 in Quetzaltenango, the new Club represents an investment of over 15 million dollars. Notably, 50% of this investment was dedicated to sustainable construction practices. The decision to open in "Xela" was based on its position as a commercial and economic hub for the western part of the country, serving as a convergence point for various communities in the region.

Local Job Creation and Community Support

The Club's opening has generated 133 direct jobs, with 95% of the positions filled by locally hired talent. Additionally, approximately 150 indirect jobs were created during the construction phase. The new roles range from operational staff to supervisors and managers.

Through the "Learning and Growing" social impact program, the PriceSmart Foundation has already formed partnerships with four public schools in the area. This initiative will benefit over 2,700 students by providing them with school supplies, teaching materials for educators, and hygiene products. The program also actively promotes reading by creating school libraries and training teachers to improve students' literacy skills.

Furthermore, PriceSmart is launching an initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the "Hogares Guatemala" program to support families in San Juan Ostuncalco, within the Quetzaltenango Department. The project will help these families replace dirt floors with concrete ones, which will undoubtedly improve their well-being, health, safety, and overall quality of life. These efforts are part of the company's ongoing commitment to the comprehensive development of the region.

Modern and Sustainable Facilities

The Club features a total area of 14,673 m², with 4,095 m² dedicated to the sales floor. It also offers 265 parking spaces, including 99 covered spots, to ensure a comfortable experience for members.

Key sustainable innovations include:

 * A CO₂ refrigeration system, which is a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional gases.

 * High-efficiency LED lighting that reduces energy consumption by up to 80%.

 * Thermally insulated roofs and walls, which improve energy efficiency and comfort.

 * A modern, low-consumption air conditioning system.

 * Absorption wells to manage rainwater and recharge aquifers.

 * A wastewater treatment plant that allows for safe reuse or discharge into the environment.

In the short term, the Club will incorporate solar panels to continue its transition toward a cleaner energy operation.

Merchandise and Digital Services

Members will have access to more than 2,700 products, including over 1,500 supplied by local vendors. All products are carefully selected according to the company’s merchandising principles and market demand.

Featured services include:

 * Optical center, Pharmacy, and a ready-to-eat food section.

Additionally, through PriceSmart.com, members can access digital services like "Click & Go," which allows them to shop online and pick up their order at the Club at no extra cost, as well as home delivery services within the municipal area.

Commitment to Guatemala

Since its arrival in the country in 1999, PriceSmart has been a pioneer in the membership shopping Club model. Today, it employs more than 1,000 people in Guatemala. With the opening of the Quetzaltenango Club, the company reaffirms its commitment to economic development, formal job creation, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the communities in which it operates.

About PriceSmart

Headquartered in San Diego, PriceSmart owns and operates U.S.-style membership shopping Clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering its members high-quality merchandise and services at low prices. PriceSmart currently operates 56 shopping Clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory (ten in Colombia; nine in Costa Rica; seven in Panama; seven in Guatemala; five in the Dominican Republic; four each in Trinidad and El Salvador; three in Honduras; two each in Nicaragua and Jamaica; and one each in Aruba, Barbados, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The company also plans to open a new club in La Romana, Dominican Republic, in the spring of 2026. Once this new club is open, the company will operate 57 shopping clubs.