Ciudad del Este's commercial hub saw a surge of visitors on Mother's Day, as hundreds of tourists crossed the border despite chilly temperatures and persistent rain. From early morning, families—including children, parents, and grandparents—filled the microcenter's galleries and shops, creating an atmosphere more akin to a family outing than the usual mass shopping sprees.
Local merchants reported steady sales, with perfumes—particularly Arabian brands—regaining popularity as top sellers. Video game consoles, spare parts and controllers, clothing, computer products, and mobile phones also moved briskly, maintaining their historical status as the city's most sought-after items.
“The visitor profile has changed compared to other high-traffic days. People are coming with their families to stroll and explore,” one trader noted. Despite the shift away from bulk buying, workers in the sector described the movement as positive, crediting promotions, product variety, and the city's regional shopping appeal for sustaining activity even under adverse weather.