The shopping experience in Costa Rica is a contrast between simple home based businesses to high fashion boutiques and department stores. As with any country no one definition would apply. However, if you know where to look and what you are looking for, you'll enjoy your Costa Rica shopping experience.
If you long for the comfort of the big malls and department stores don't panic - there are a number of good size malls in the Central Valley where you can get your shopping fix. Malls such as Multiplaza in Escazu, Mall San Pedro (in San Pedro of course) and Paseo de las Flores in Heredia offer everything you will need in the way of purchasing options. You'll find such well known retail establishments as Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Liz Claiborne, Zara, Guess, Nine West, Gant and many others too numerous to mention.