Economic Crisis Hits Chetumal’s Esoteric Shops, Sales Drop 60%

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Sales of esoteric items — including witchcraft supplies, spiritual goods, and wellness products — have plummeted up to 60% in Chetumal this year, as the city’s economic crisis deepens, local merchants report.

Representatives from the three main stores specializing in these products, located both downtown and in outlying areas, said customers can no longer afford items such as images, amulets, herbs, candles, and aromatics used to attract health, money, love, or protection through practices like Santeria.

Gloria Tuz, owner of a downtown shop with nearly 15 years of experience, said prices have soared recently due to inflation. Regular customers who once bought incense, essential oils, lotions, prepared candles, bracelets, crystals, and minerals for healing, meditation, or chakra balancing have stopped purchasing.

Her daily transactions dropped from 15 to just five, she said.

Romeo Canseco, a sales clerk at a store on Maxuxac Avenue, noted that distributors set the prices, which have risen up to 20% following fuel price increases. Customers now opt for cheaper alternatives like fresh or dried herbs, Turkish eyes, alum stones, dream catchers, red thread bracelets, medals, and symbols from various cultures or religions. Previously, specialized white magic items were the top sellers.

Estela Angulo, a merchant in the Territorio Federal neighborhood, said that while spells may appeal to many people, especially in hard times, those selling the supplies are also struggling with the high cost of living.