Universal Store: 100 Years of Dreaming in Front of the Window

The emblematic Universal store, a fixture in Costa Rican retail for a century, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. This milestone marks a century of business passed down through four generations of the Federspiel family, with its unique history now being shared.

Established as a key destination for holiday shopping and back-to-school needs, Universal has become a beloved institution. The store's legacy is highlighted by a photograph from the 1970s, capturing its renowned display windows that once mesmerized shoppers and passersby. These vibrant displays were a signature element of the store's appeal.

Roger Bolaños Vargas, a journalist with Revista Dominical since 2025 and covering politics since 2022, authored the piece. A graduate in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Costa Rica, Vargas has experience in fake news verification, crime reporting, and international coverage, earning the "Journalist of the Year" award from La Nación in 2023. The article emphasizes transparency, with comments reserved for subscribers who must use their full name and ID number.