El Salvador produces a number of instantly recognizable artesanías , such as the brightly painted, naif-style wood and ceramics from La Palma, hammocks from Concepción Quezaltepeque, and interesting ceramics at Ilobasco. These are far cheaper in their place of manufacture, but the Mercado Cuartel and the Mercado de Artesanías in San Salvador both have an extensive selection of goods from across the country at reasonable prices; a number of more expensive shops around town also carry smaller selections. Hammocks can usually be found for sale in the parque central in San Salvador.

The outlets in the malls of San Salvador and San Miguel sell US clothing at US prices. For something a little more down to earth, local markets (open daily in most towns) sell clothing, fresh fruit, vegetables and much more besides. Most towns also have at least one supermarket .