Bom Retiro District, Commercial district in central São Paulo, Brazil
Bom Retiro is a commercial district in central São Paulo with more than 400 fashion stores concentrated mainly along Rua José Paulino. These shops sell both Brazilian and Chinese clothing across a wide range of price points, drawing shoppers from across the city.
The district emerged in the late 19th century when Joaquim Egídio de Sousa Aranha subdivided his property to construct homes for industrial workers. Over time, successive waves of immigrants transformed it into a busy commercial hub.
Italian, Jewish, Greek, and Korean communities have called this district home for generations, each leaving traces in local shops, restaurants, and gathering places. Walking through the streets, you notice how these different groups coexist and shape the character of the neighborhood today.
The area is easily accessible by public transportation via Luz Station, making it simple to reach from other parts of the city. Plan your visit during daytime to take advantage of shop hours and busy foot traffic for a better sense of the district.
In January 2010, São Paulo's city council officially recognized this district as a Korean cultural neighborhood. That designation reflects the strong Korean community presence that remains visible in local restaurants, shops, and cultural spaces throughout the area.
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