Among the luxury stores at The Mall of San Juan, one space celebrates local talent: Chroma Local, home to more than 100 Puerto Rican brands offering everything from art and postcards to fashion, jewelry and handcrafted products.
Its location is no accident. Aimar Abreu Maceira, founder of Chroma, had a clear vision: "I imagined these Puerto Rican brands sharing space with international stores, because our products deserve to be here."
The idea came to her while walking the mall's corridors, watching local vendors at their carts, at a time when she herself was participating in craft events selling her jewelry brand, Botón de Azúcar.
What started as a cart with 15 brands has grown into a store that surprises visitors with a carefully curated selection of 100% Puerto Rican products.
Quality as a defining feature
Chroma has become the go-to destination for unique gifts and distinctively designed pieces.
Its offerings include notable brands such as:
Barras: Aromatic handcrafted soaps
Boronea: Contemporary menswear
Materia Madura: Sustainable everyday products
Selenia: Vegan nail polishes
Rogative: Designs that celebrate island identity
The collection ranges from jewelry in various styles, statement necklaces and delicate earrings, to an aromatic line that includes body oils, diffusers and handcrafted candles. For those who appreciate the details, the store carries a selection of stickers, keychains, wallets and pins, suitable as gifts or for collecting.
For Aimar, an architect by training, the selection of brands follows rigorous criteria: concept, evolution, materials, finishes and design. "We evaluate every detail, from the production process to social media presence," she explains.
This meticulous curation has been key to Chroma's success at The Mall of San Juan.
"Our clientele values things beyond their monetary worth. They understand that each piece is unique and has a story,"
Abreu pointed out.
Visitors often make several passes through the store, discovering something new each time. "It's like a gallery where every corner surprises you," she added.
"There is a lot of talent in Puerto Rico," Aimar says. Her hope is that the store keeps growing in space to add more brands and support their development. For those who cannot visit the physical store, Chroma offers a full shopping experience at www.chromalocal.com, with the option to pick up in store.
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This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
