In Costa Rica you will find everything from large shopping malls to tiny boutiques, and everything in-between. Included amongst the largest places to shop would be:  Multiplaza in Escazu, Mall San Pedro, Paseo de las Flores in Heredia and TerraMall in Tres Rios (on the way to Cartago from San Jose).  These Malls have large food courts with the usual array of fast food options such as McDonalds, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, TCBY, Quiznos and more.

Scattered about the Central Valley are many other shopping centers, many with great restaurants, boutiques and other conveniences such as pharmacies, dry cleaners, film developing etc..

One other thing you may want to visit is the San Jose Central Market. It's large and filled with small hawker stalls where everything you can imagine is sold: fresh fruits and vegetables, coffee, baskets, tools... you get the idea. If you are claustrophobic, you might avoid the Central Market as it is very crowded (and don't be tempted to wear pricy jewelry in downtown San Jose - keep an eye on your purse and wallet).