In the height of the summer season, the main supermarkets are waging a commercial battle on the Atlantic Coast, combining aggressive offers with services adapted to the vacation pace. The dispute between giants like Coto, Carrefour, and Toledo includes bank alliances, benefits for retirees, and digital platforms to retain summer visitors. According to the Argentine News Agency, the expansion of e-commerce and 'beach delivery' are the key differentiators this year. In a context where prices in destinations like Pinamar or Villa Gesell tend to be higher, the chains are betting on combined promotions to prevent customers from fleeing to local shops.
Who's who on the coast map. The physical presence of the chains defines the first line of competition in key locations: Coto: is the dominant protagonist with branches in Mar del Plata, Cariló, Villa Gesell, Pinamar, Mar del Tuyú, and Mar de Ajó. Carrefour: strong in Mar del Plata, added a Carrefour Maxi in General Madariaga for wholesale shopping near Pinamar and Cariló. Toledo: maintains a wide historical coverage in Mar del Plata and Pinamar with a focus on basic products. Regional and local chains: El Coste stands out in Cariló, the San José supermarket in Pinamar, and the Cooperativa Obrera at several points on the coast. Other brands: Disco, VEA (Cencosud), El Tata, and Día are also part of the offer in centers like San Bernardo and Santa Teresita.
All benefits, supermarket by supermarket. The chains have detailed their savings strategies to ease the tourists' wallets: Coto. Super weekend: 40% off drinks and 3x2 on basic products. Second unit: discounts of up to 70% on leading brands. Free gift with purchase: they give away a free beach recliner for purchases over $150,000 in selected stores. Digital wallets and banks: discounts of up to 30% with Mercado Pago and special promotions with Cuenta DNI. ANSES: 10% discount for retirees and pensioners with no cashback limit. Carrefour. Banco Nación: on Wednesdays they offer a 30% discount with MODO (limit of $12,000 per week). Mi Carrefour card: exclusive benefits of 20% to 40%, plus 3 interest-free installments on weekends with the credit version. VIP services: they are betting on beach delivery through alliances with apps like PedidosYa to send purchases directly to accommodations or the beach. Club La Nación: 15% discount on online and physical purchases. ANSES: like its competitor, it maintains the 10% savings for social security beneficiaries. Día and others. ANSES: the Día chain also participates in the benefits program with 10-15% rebates for purchases made by state beneficiaries.
This summer's trend confirms that the fight is no longer just about the price on the shelf, but about convenience: the possibility of ordering from the beach and receiving it at the hotel becomes the most valued service for the 2026 tourist.
