throughout rio de janeiro and greater brazil, there are many appliance and electronics stores, but several chain stores happen to dominate the market and are the most popular - these stores tend to supply the best brand products at bargain prices, which is where the majority of people go to purchase refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, washing and drying machines, mattresses, as well as other household essentials.

for those who are moving to a new home or scouring the streets for a fan to combat the heat in rio, the place to go is casas bahia, a popular nationwide chain that sells electronics, furniture, and home goods - the chain was founded in the early 1950s by a polish immigrant who would go door-to-door to sell his wares.

most of his customers were retired people from the northeastern state of bahia, which is where the name is said to have originated - at casas bahia, a customer can find electronic goods such as cameras and televisions, as well as dishwashers, microwaves, and any number of other home needs.