When they hear about affordable Christmas decorations, São Paulo residents immediately think of 25 de Março. But let’s face it: Latin America’s largest open-air shopping center isn’t for everyone! If you’re not up for facing the chaos of 25 de Março this holiday season, we’ve got some alternatives to help you decorate your Christmas tree on a budget.
For any of these tips, it’s always best to visit during the week, preferably in the morning. That way, you’ll avoid peak hours and find stores that have just opened, with shelves still full!
Lapa
Lapa is one of the main shopping districts in São Paulo’s West Zone, making it a great option for finding inexpensive Christmas decorations. The best place to hunt for deals is Rua 12 de Outubro and its side streets, such as Rua Clemente Álvares and Rua Nossa Senhora da Lapa.
The area is home to branches of major discount stores, such as Armarinhos Fernando (Rua 12 de Outubro, 194/198) and Lojasmel (Rua 12 de Outubro, 381), which usually charge the same prices as 25 de Março.
Pari
Those who live in the city center can also put together an inexpensive Christmas decoration with a simple trip to Pari. The best spot in the area is Lojas Matsumoto (Rua Itaqui, 376), one of the largest importers of seasonal items! There, you can put together a Christmas tree at wholesale prices, spending much less than at traditional shopping malls.
Santo Amaro
If you live in the South Zone, you don’t need to go all the way to downtown São Paulo to get your Christmas decorations. Just pop over to Santo Amaro! Around Largo Treze de Maio, you’ll find large discount retailers, such as Armarinhos Fernando (Alameda Santo Amaro, 121) and Lojasmel (Avenida Adolfo Pinheiro, 151).
It’s also worth visiting the two Busca Busca locations (Avenida Adolfo Pinheiro, 104 and 197), where you’ll find a little bit of everything.
Brás
Finally, if you want to buy inexpensive Christmas decorations in bulk, it’s worth visiting Brás. Although the area is known for clothing, many retailers adjust their inventory for the holiday season.
One of the best tips is Papel Mania Embalagens (Rua João Teodoro, 1,476), which sells decorative items starting at R$ 0.30. That’s right—for just a few cents! Also check out New Shop São Paulo (Rua Maria Marcolina, 548) and the traditional Circuito de Compras (Feira da Madrugada).
Keep in mind that you’ll need to buy several items to qualify for wholesale discounts. Although the minimum quantity varies by store, most offer lower prices starting at six units.
