These were commercial establishments where products from the family's haciendas, ranches, and mills were sold.

They were usually located in ground-floor rooms or annexes of the residence, with direct access from the street.

Visitors could find clothing items, foodstuffs, household utensils, or even musical instruments. These shops were not the only ones that thrived during the viceregal period; as specialized commerce developed, other businesses emerged, such as bakeries devoted exclusively to breadmaking.