# Retail chains headquartered in Costa Rica

Tamtam tracks 37 retail chains headquartered in Costa Rica. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by BAC, Banco Nacional and Excel Automotriz. Their median headcount is 718. Half of them were founded in 1971 or later.

These companies represent a cross-section of large employers in Costa Rica, primarily within the banking, retail, and telecommunications sectors. Many are established firms, with several founded in the mid-20th century or earlier. For instance, BAC reimagines banking, Banco Nacional is a major banking institution, Auto Mercado S.A. operates a leading supermarket chain, and Café Britt focuses on premium coffee and chocolates.

A notable pattern is the strong concentration of headquarters in San José, indicating its role as a central business hub in Costa Rica. Companies like Instituto Nacional de Seguros, founded in 1924, and Claro Costa Rica, a telecommunications provider, both operate from the capital. This suggests a centralized economic activity around the metropolitan area.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica · 37 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [BAC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bac) (baccredomatic.com)<br>The company reimagines banking to create prosperity in the communities it serves | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 19,779 | 1952 |
| 2 | [Banco Nacional](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-nacional-san-jose) (bncr.fi.cr)<br>The largest banking institution in Costa Rica with over 170 branches, 428 ATMs, and nearly 4,800 employees, holding the top position in assets in the region | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 2,218 | 1914 |
| 3 | [Excel Automotriz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/excel-automotriz) (excelautomotriz.com)<br>The leading automotive company in Central America with a market presence since 1919, offering a variety of vehicle brands and services across five countries | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 Centro América | 1,915 | 1919 |
| 4 | [Banco Nacional](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-nacional) (bncr.fi.cr)<br>A leading state commercial bank in Costa Rica with over 40% market share, the largest in Central America excluding Panama Employs 5000+ people | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,806 | 1914 |
| 5 | [Auto Mercado S.A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/auto-mercado-s-a) (automercado.cr)<br>A leading supermarket chain in Costa Rica offering high-quality fresh products, imported goods, wines, and liquors in well-located stores with excellent customer service | Food and Beverage Services | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,674 | 1960 |
| 6 | [Café Britt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cafe-britt) (corp.cafebritt.com)<br>Passionate about selecting and roasting premium coffee beans, creating gourmet coffee, chocolates, and more Sustainably sourced from multiple countries for a unique experience | Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 Barva | 1,580 | 1985 |
| 7 | [Instituto Nacional de Seguros](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-nacional-de-seguros) (ins-cr.com)<br>A company founded in 1924 to meet the insurance needs of Costa Rican society, offering a range of insurance products, healthcare services, and social programs | Insurance | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,561 |  |
| 8 | [Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Comunal - Oficial](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-popular-y-de-desarrollo-comunal-oficial) (bancopopular.fi.cr)<br>Official Linkedin page of a financial institution in Costa Rica, providing information, education, and advice Offering easy banking services and a credit card call center | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,492 | 1969 |
| 9 | [Claro Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/claro-costa-rica) (claro.cr)<br>A telecommunications company in Central America aiming to be a leader in the region by connecting people, businesses, and communities worldwide | Telecommunications | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,414 | 2010 |
| 10 | [Almacenes EL REY](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/almacenes-el-rey) (almaceneselrey.com)<br>A 100% Costa Rican company with 17 stores, offering a variety of products and services with a focus on customer satisfaction and affordable prices | Consumer Services | 🇨🇷 Alajuela | 1,374 | 1998 |
| 11 | [grupoicecr](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupoicecr) (grupoice.com)<br>A Costa Rican corporation comprising ICE, RACSA, CNFL, and a debt management entity, specializing in various sectors including telecommunications and energy | Utilities | 🇨🇷 San José | 1,288 | 1949 |
| 12 | [Banco Promerica de Costa Rica S.A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-promerica-de-costa-rica-s-a) (promerica.fi.cr)<br>Established relationships with clients and collaborators in Costa Rica Offering personal and business products and services, committed to development and future growth | Banking | 🇨🇷 Escazú | 1,125 | 1992 |
| 13 | [Corporación Megasuper S.A.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/corporacion-megasuper-s-a) (megasuper.com)<br>A national supermarket chain offering daily savings through a wholesale card, with various formats providing a wide range of products Impacts economy through employment | Retail | 🇨🇷 Cartago | 1,026 |  |
| 14 | [Correos de Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/correos-de-costa-rica) (correos.go.cr)<br>A leading logistics provider in Costa Rica with extensive national coverage, offering distribution and delivery of packages and documents, constantly improving services to meet customer needs | Utilities | 🇨🇷 Zapote | 958 | 1998 |
| 15 | [Morpho Travel Experience](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/morpho-travel-experience) (morphotr.com)<br>Specialized travel retailer creating unique shopping experiences in over 130 stores across 11 countries, featuring local authenticity, boutique shops, jewelry, restaurants, and Grab and Go concepts | Retail | 🇨🇷 Heredia | 880 | 2001 |
| 16 | [Telecable](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telecable) (telecablecr.com)<br>The company is a democratizer of Internet access in Costa Rica, expanding telecommunications through a large fiber optic network | Telecommunications | 🇨🇷 San José | 846 | 2005 |
| 17 | [Banco Promerica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-promerica) (fi.cr)<br>Regional bank in Costa Rica part of Grupo Promerica with presence across multiple countries Strong growth in assets and sales, leading to high solvency and profitability | Financial Services | 🇨🇷 Escazu | 772 |  |
| 18 | [AR Holdings](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ar-holdings) (ar-holdings.com)<br>Retail franchise investor, developer, and operator based in Costa Rica, with operations across Latin America Over 1600 employees transforming consumer behavior regionally | Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 Escazu | 768 | 2017 |
| 19 | [Coopenae](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/coopenae) (coopenae.fi.cr)<br>Since 1966, we believe in cooperative development Coopenae democratizes services, promotes financial education, and supports sustainable projects with a focus on member ownership | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 718 | 1966 |
| 20 | [GESSA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gessa) (gessacr.net)<br>A Costa Rican supermarket chain with three brands offering a wide variety of products, comfortable infrastructure, low prices, and a focus on customer needs | Retail Groceries | 🇨🇷 Goicoechea | 717 | 2001 |
| 21 | [Grupo INS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-ins) (grupoins.com)<br>A company that encourages respectful conversation and opinions on LinkedIn, while upholding the platform's rules and regulations for responsible use | Insurance | 🇨🇷 San José | 679 | 1924 |
| 22 | [Grupo Mutual](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-mutual) (grupomutual.fi.cr)<br>A financial institution in Costa Rica specializing in housing, savings, and investments, with government backing and located in Alajuela city | Banking | 🇨🇷 Alajuela | 675 | 1973 |
| 23 | [Coopealianza Ahorro Y Crédito](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/coopealianza-ahorro-y-credito) (coopealianza.fi.cr)<br>A cooperative focused on savings and credit, promoting social development and financial stability with a nationwide presence, creating employment opportunities and improving community life | Banking | 🇨🇷 Pérez Zeledón | 602 | 1971 |
| 24 | [POPS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pops-san-jose)<br>A regional premium ice cream shop established in 1968, offering a variety of delicious flavors and classic specialties such as Milkshake, Banana Split, and Sundae Their goal is to create a better world for all | Food and Beverage Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 San José | 487 | 1968 |
| 25 | [Banco BCT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/banco-bct) (bancobct.com)<br>Provider of comprehensive financial solutions with personalized service, high efficiency, and strong relationships built on trust, solidity, and flexibility Largest national private financial institution | Banking | 🇨🇷 Rohrmoser | 485 | 1978 |
| 26 | [Caja de ANDE Oficial](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/caja-de-ande-oficial) (cajadeande.fi.cr)<br>A socially conscious financial institution that efficiently manages resources to provide excellent services and improve the quality of life for its shareholders | Banking | 🇨🇷 San José | 475 | 1944 |
| 27 | [CLÍNICAS ASEMBIS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clinicas-asembis) (asembis.org)<br>A social enterprise providing affordable health services since 1991, with a focus on technology and dedicated staff Services include various medical specialties and imaging | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇷 Purral de Guadalupe | 474 | 1991 |
| 28 | [Colono Construcción](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/colono-construccion) (colonoconstruccion.com)<br>Started in 1978, now with 58 stores to provide better service Visit their website for the history of the group | Wholesale Building Materials | 🇨🇷 Guápiles | 440 | 1978 |
| 29 | [Tienda Universal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tienda-universal) (tiendauniversal.com)<br>A retail chain in Costa Rica offering a wide range of products such as books, toys, home goods, beauty products, baby items, technology, appliances, and more | Retail | 🇨🇷 San José | 410 | 1926 |
| 30 | [Mucap](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mucap) (mucap.fi.cr)<br>A mutual association in Costa Rica providing financial solutions for personal, family, and business success through housing financing and investment promotion | Financial Services | 🇨🇷 Cartago | 341 | 1970 |
| 31 | [Agencia Datsun Nissan Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agencia-datsun-nissan-costa-rica) (nissancr.com)<br>Exclusive distributors of well-known Japanese vehicles brand With over 5 decades of providing transportation solutions to the people of Costa Rica | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 Sabana Norte | 325 | 1960 |
| 32 | [Asociación Pro-Hospital Nacional de Niños – Parque Diversiones](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/asociacion-pro-hospital-nacional-de-ninos-parque-diversiones) (parquediversiones.com)<br>This organization provides a world of fantasy and safe fun, aiming to support the well-being and education of Costa Rican society through donations to a children's hospital | Entertainment Providers | 🇨🇷 San José | 318 | 1954 |
| 33 | [Grupo del Este - AMPM y Fresh Market](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-del-este-ampm-y-fresh-market) (ampm.cr)<br>Leading chain of convenience stores and neighborhood supermarkets offering a preferred solution for daily shopping with ease, speed, and excellent omnichannel shopping experience | Retail Groceries | 🇨🇷 San José | 315 | 1986 |
| 34 | [AutoStar Vehículos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/autostar-vehiculos) (jobs.jobvite.com)<br>Part of the Kaufmann Group, representing Chrysler and Daimler brands in multiple countries Delivering top-quality after-sales service and backing for customer satisfaction | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇨🇷 La Uruca | 312 |  |
| 35 | [Maquinaria y Tractores Ltda](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/maquinaria-y-tractores-ltda) (matra.co.cr)<br>A leading provider of machinery and equipment in Costa Rica, offering new, used, and rental options, as well as parts and specialized service Operating nationwide with 15 branches | Construction | 🇨🇷 Alajuela | 310 | 1951 |
| 36 | [GRUPO ANC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-anc) (grupoanc.com)<br>Leader in car rental and mobility solutions across multiple countries Offers top global brands, eco-friendly options, and comprehensive transportation services for personal and business needs | Travel Arrangements | 🇨🇷 Heredia | 283 |  |
| 37 | [Ready Pizza RP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ready-pizza-rp) (readypizzacr.com)<br>Specializing in providing the fastest pizza in Costa Rica, always fresh, hot, and ready to go for customers | Food and Beverage Services | 🇨🇷 Alajuela | 185 | 2017 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Costa Rica

- [The largest companies in Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-costa-rica) (231)
- [Multinational companies in Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-costa-rica) (54)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Costa Rica](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-costa-rica) (29)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Retail chains in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-in-the-world) (35,499)
- [Retail chains in Latin America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-in-latin-america) (3,340)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-costa-rica