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In Ecuador, one normally makes a weekly shopping trip for staples at one of the many supermarket chains that operate throughout the country. There are also many convenience stores to run into for one or two items. However, for day-to-day shopping, residents frequent the open neighborhood markets, where fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased daily for lower prices. Although meat and seafood are also sold at the open markets, it is better for visitors to buy these at the supermarket where the quality of the products is regulated. At the market, however, it is possible to choose a live chicken to be killed just before bringing it home.

Although there are bakeries that have tables for eating and drinking coffee, there are not many other specialty stores in Ecuador. One buys candy at the candy store, liquor at the liquor store, and everything else at the supermarket or the open markets.