The mall located underneath Plaza Guadalajara, which faces city hall and the entrance to the Guadalajara Cathedral, was a former car park before being converted into a sales zone for dozens of ambulant vendors who used to ply their trade – often illegally – on downtown streets and pedestrian walkways.
But the below-ground mall has proved unpopular with shoppers, and at least 80 percent of the tiny 200-plus sales booths are now abandoned. Vendors have also complained of poor air circulation and dampness.Although the city center boasts two “Plazas de Tecnologia” (at Lopez Cotilla and 16 de Septiembre; and Lopez Cotilla and Colon), Ruiz believes there is room for more vendors of electronic items, as well as service options.