Venezuela - Domestic trade

The three primary distribution centers for import trade are the Caracas area, the Maracaibo area, and an area that centers on Ciudad Bolívar and serves the vast inland llanos region and the Guiana Highlands. In Caracas are located the main offices of the national and foreign banks, many of the important industries, and the largest commercial houses. Wholesale importers and distributors in Caracas cover the entire country by means of branch offices, stores, and traveling salespeople.

The most common and widespread form of retail selling used to be door-to-door, but the number of large shopping centers and supermarkets has risen in recent years. Supermarkets handle over half of all retail food sales, with the rest mostly from bodegas (delicatessens) and abastos (small family-operated shops). There are also numerous farmers' markets throughout Caracas and the rest of Venezuela. Franchising has grown steadily throughout the past few years.

Stores are usually open from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3 to 7 PM , Monday through Saturday. Normal banking hours are from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and from 2 to 4:30 PM on weekdays only. Business office hours are usually from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 to 6 PM , Monday through Friday. Factories generally operate from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM , Monday through Friday.