Mall Zofri, Duty-free shopping center in Iquique, Chile.

Mall Zofri is a large shopping center located within the Zona Franca de Iquique in northern Chile, housing around 600 stores spread across several floors. The stores sell a wide range of goods, from electronics and clothing to perfumes, household items, and specialty products.

The Zona Franca de Iquique was created in 1975 by the Chilean military government as a way to encourage economic activity in a remote northern region. The shopping center developed directly out of that free trade zone and grew over the following decades into one of the largest commercial hubs in South America.

Many stalls are run by their own owners, who come from a range of nationalities, and the goods on sale are mainly imported from China and India. The older stages keep small units and narrow aisles, while later stages have larger shops and wider walkways. The complex also hosts offers, raffles, contests and shows with local and national artists.

Goods bought here are free from taxes and import duties as long as you are leaving the Tarapacá Region, so it helps to know the rules before you shop. The center is large and can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so arriving early in the day makes the visit easier.

Inside the complex there is a dedicated section called Zofripart that sells only automotive parts and accessories. This area draws mechanics and car dealers from across the country who come looking for components that are hard to find elsewhere.