Colmados in the Dominican Republic are small convenience stores/ bodegas, that provide delivery service.
Have you ever noticed how places we once knew so well can change over time? Now I understand my parents when they pass by a place they used to frequent and see how much it has changed: nostalgia
Now, I find myself pondering The same feeling. How can we navigate change without sacrificing the unique essence that defines us? As we modernize there are things that can be simpler, but it feels like we're losing ourselves along the way.
Colmados used to be hand-painted in different colors; now that most of them are being sponsored by brands, they have the same color as the brand, so they all look alike. The signs are also no longer hand-painted and made out of plastic.
These changes can benefit the owners, as they require a lower cost; if a brand sponsors them, they do not have to paint the store, and the signs are made of polycarbonate, a material known for its durability and modern appeal.
How can brands strike a balanced deal that lets Colmados keep its uniqueness while giving brands the desired visibility?
However, the owners compromise their business identity and individuality in exchange for just paint and no other benefits.
We are the Caribbean, a vibrant country. We cherish the need for color, individuality, and originality.
Although the essence of the colmado will remain the same despite all these changes that come with modernization, I want to document them so that in the future, there will be a memory of how they used to be.
