Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

We was driving past about 12 Friday and realized the doors were open so turned around and had a nosy!

Got to be honest, we were both impressed. It is open and spacious and they are selling new range of products geared to ex-pat communities. Take a look for yourselves and I think you will mostly agree.

I have a prediction, if the standard seen today prevails then at least one of the Starlings will be gone in 12 months.

You do not know where it is, was Astro and entrance next to the Golden Lady.

Thats very strange isn't it, you would have thought there would have ben a grand opening with all the bells and whistles that normally goes with that sort of thing. I hope the staff have managed to get the hang of the cash tills. There was pandemonium in the Karaoglanoglu branch this morning as they were trying to operate the new digital cash tills. When I was there only one was actually working with a lot of knashing of teeth going on. I'm sure you are right about one of the Starlings closing in a matter of months. The one towards Lapta is without doubt the most dark, dingy and shopping unfriendly supermarket I've ever been in. My only fear about the new Lemar branch is the Exit/Entrance (unless of course they alter the flow of traffic) - trying to get out of the car park with people turning left into Alsancak is going to be a nightmare. I did it twice years ago when it was an Astro and it frightened me no end.

We were dead chuffed to see the opening of this store this morning as it's at the top of the Merit Road, where we live, and virtually on the doorstep. Haven't visited it yet but will do so tomorrow morning on the way to the Lambousa Markets. And yes, it is weird that it's opened so quietly, thought there might have been some big announcement in the local papers. Never mind, at least it's open!

Allegedly CT did make mention of it opening but they got some of the facts wrong regarding what was on site.

Funny old place this. I live locally, am a reporter and had no idea when the official opening was. Would have liked to go and take some pics. Opportunity gone for that, but I will take a look for myself. Hope it doesn't destroy Atakara which has served us well for years.

Went there this morning and will be going back!! Aisles are wide, shelves full, fruit and veg fresh and nicely laid out. Sausage rolls and doughnuts for sale too, they are certainly trying. If I were to be critical, no fresh meat as in beef or lamb when I was in and no trolley parks outside YET!! I will certainly go back because my till receipt was competitive too!! I know what you mean about the entrance/exit that will cause an accident one day, so just be extra careful at the junction whether your turning into it or just passing......

Well done Lemar little competition in the area keeps everyone on their toes!

It's great to have more shopping choice,and lots of competition helps keep prices low.
However I remember when Sainsburys opened a shiny new store in my town in the UK some years back, there were exotic fruits and vegetables galore.
6 months later, the place was a dump, half empty shelves,and the veg selection amounted to tired looking Spuds, carrots and sprouting onions.
I just hope Lemar keep the standard up .

The lemar near to me in Catalkoy is certainly the nicest supermarket from a layout and display point of view in the area,but the place is always empty,I am not very price aware, but have noticed the selection is quite poor, whilst the scruffier shops on the east side(Erdener, Supreme & Tempo) are invariably much busier.
Erdener seems the busiest to me overall, but it is smaller and a pain to push a trolly round, also they seem to re arrange everything in the shop every other week which is irritating at times.
Only the other day I went down the isle where spaghetti usually was, only now to find the isle is now filled with 'ladies monthly requisites' which is slightly embarrassing for a big hairy arsed bloke.

Philoz, don't rely on there being a price war. Its became obviously years ago that the main importers dictate the prices in most stores (there are a couple of independents on the Karakum road who buck the trend). You'll see a special offer in Lemar on, say dog food, for a couple of weeks, then in stops, then it reinvents itself in Tempo. Heinze baked beans will be reduced by 50 Kuros in all shops for three weeks and then stops. In other words, its not the shops themselves, its the import firms that allow them to purchase at a discount for a short period. I know people who own one of the largest import companies in the TRNC, based in Gaza, and he's confirmed this. As I said one or two privately owned shops have said quite publically "It's my shop and I'll sell goods at whatever price I want, even at a loss if i want to!!)

Totally unimpressed more expensive than Starling,so called Marks/sainsbury /tesco consists of two small racks of T-shirts that you can buy anywhere

Just been in and they have an offer on.......spend 30tl get a bottle of Pepsi free, spend 40tl get a bottle of Cava wine free.

But you have to ask, if you don't, they won't tell you!!

So ask !!!

Thanks for the heads up cyprusishome. Been in today and was pleased with it on first impressions, am sure when they have established it and settled in it will be fine. The only hiccup we had was on buying a lettuce which was priced at 1.80TL each and the chap priced it at 1.80 per kg. when I pointed out the error it was quickly rectified without fuss. The only niggle I have with the store is the checkouts, they are using the old Astro ones and they do not have a large enough area for the goods after they have been scanned. Ok if buying one or two items but not a large trolley load. Also, we received our bottle of 'bubbly' without having to ask, very nice cashier who got up from her till to take from the stack and give to us explaining that it was a 'present'. So yes, very pleased and will be using from now on as it is local for us.

Also have to agree, think they should have done something about the entrance/exit, don't remember seeing the sign that Astro used to have that told you to turn left when leaving, so be very careful as we are very aware that a lot of drivers here do not use indicators

Made it! But layout is pretty much the same as the Nicosia Lemar, only half the size of course. good seleciton, but not the frozen fuir that i buy, so.....I also got a bottle of cokee without asking. Inadequate tills, yes, and of ocurse lots of people going for curiosity. Personally I am still happy with Atakara - it has all I want, but I must admit that the fruit and veg in Lemar looked really good.

But we all makes our choice and pays our money (or the other way around). Interesting, and thank heavens there is NOT a left hand turn only. If people use their common sense, it should be O.K, but pity that they could not have a separate exit along the side road. And 'im downstairs said 'Where is the cafe? Can;t please them all.

I was told yesterday (and I have absolutely no idea whether it is true or not) that Lemar have tried to make a separate entrance or exit but the man who owns the bit of land they need to put it won't sell it to them. Yesterday afternoon I did see a nasty occurence though, the driver concerned clearly thought that it was a "double" exit i.e. you went on the left side to turn left, and the right side to turn right, not realising that it was an entrance as well, and met someone driving in. Luckily they both managed to swerve in time, but it could have been nasty.

I can believe that about the land. That is what happens here. I just hope that the entrance/exit gets very clearly sign posted - maybe made wider and with some bollard in the middle. It would be terrible if there were accidents. It was bad enough today just tyring to drive past. a bottle neck caused by people entering and leaving the place. I fear in the long term. And unfortunately I HAVE to go past there to get home. Nuisance!(she says being selfish)

Now I'm very disappointed, I have been in there twice now, mum and I both have a trolley each and have spent over 500tl between us in 2 days and not a mention of coke or cava! Mmmmm don't like that......

Whatarotty-I don't blame you for being upset, by the sound of what you and your mum have spent you are entitled to a case of cava.

It was when Astro first opened the place the problem of access was raised and that the owners of adjacent land refused to sell so an alternative could be put in. At the time I did understand the reason for the refusal to sell but cannot remember what it was. Maybe someone else can remember what it was. It may be the proximity of peoples homes.

Went in yesterday and didn't know about the free offers, so although I spent over 100 lira, didn't get offered anything. Also, same as other Lemars where you have to queue up twice if you are buying vegetables.(4 people in front of me for veggies, then queue again at till). Much friendlier at Atakara, but thought I would give the new one a try, but won't be going back.

Had to have a moan about something Stella!!!!!

Have to agree about the weighing thing, same in Starling. Maybe someone is involved in job creation scheme.

Gave it a try yesterday Only difference with Lemar & Atakara,we found was fruit & veg is far superior.4 x 50cl bottles are 1TL cheaper.Nicely set out.Entrance/Exit bit of a mare.Extreme caution needed!!

Totally agree with Message 9. Not at all impressed--limited cat and dog food, and oranges were very rubbishy today. Can't see any resemblance to the UK stores mentioned so shall stick with Ileli for groceries and Ya Belis for fruit and veg, plenty of variety in both and good quality too. Guess I'll get some stick, but that's my choice.

I haqve done the 'nosey' bit and will stay with Atakara. I love their bread, and I get most things there easily. I use other Lemars from time to time, when Atakara don't have what I want, or I am travelling around. No need to change allegiance. Cannot see where the Sainsburys/Tesco/s etc comes in. Nothing like it. and ingress and egress a nightmare - so no need for me to be fickle.

But each to their own.

Like all of you, I thought I'd give it a try but doubt I'll go back often. I did like the wide aisles and good lighting but not the unhappy, hurried treatment at the checkout!

Been once and shall not rush to return. Much prefer Illeli. Good range and friendly too. The checkouts manage to weigh all your produce (it's not rocket science)and it can then go in one bag rather than bring 8 home every time so much better for the environment and whilst the car park can be a bit chaotic you do not risk life and limb trying to leave. I think either Atakara or one of the Starlings will go, my vote is Atakara, the most miserable disinterested shop staff I have ever had the miss-fortune to meet.

My vote is with the fabulous, friendly and personal Illeli, long may it open!

Well I will go back and will continue to use Ilelli and Starling because each has its merits and special offers.
Given a choice I would use Erulku.

An old chestnut i know but check your till receipts,the wife was charged 4TL for 1/2 dozen eggs yesterday at new Lemar.Should have been 1.75TL,Going back to speak to them tomorrow.

It looks as if both the Karaoglanoglu and Alsancak Lemar are having trouble with their new digital computerised checkout machines. K were having a terrible time last Friday and when I went only one was working. The woman monitoring the new machines was on her hands and knees connecting various bits of gubbins to try and make at least one other work.

Carrying on from my previous message about free gifts, I just popped into my local Startling in Lapta for cat litter and a few odd bits, and got given a box of cube sugar free, and didn't even spend a lot of money.

I have noticed that since the new Lemar has opened, it has made all the local supermarkets pull their socks up. Ie, Atakara's shelves were very well stocked, the veg was so much fresher, and well displayed. I even mentioned it to the owner, not knowing that Lemar was about to open, dur, I don't notice things if they're not thrust in my face,
Starling in Lapta are now promoting special offers outside the store again.
I really do think they are on a hiding to Hell, trying to undercut each other, one of them will go eventually. It is human nature to go bargain shopping, they use ''lost leaders'' to attract you in, hoping you will do your weekley/monthly shop.
I personally prefer the way it was, each supermarket charging what they would earn a profit on. No good will come of all of this. Promotions, yes, but undercutting is losing money . I think they are being influenced by the English, how many shops have you seen closed in the area that you lived in?

I don't know about a price war going on, but I like Karaoglanoglu Tempo and suddenly a large range of Baxter's soups have suddenly appear including Crab and Lobster Bisque. Not something we live on a great deal, but it's nice to know its there, plus really decent bullion (can't spell it) rather than the dreadful cubes which just taste of pure salt to me. They are also stocking decent quality salami and other cooked meats, but I think they are a kick back to the Delli at the the Karakum Road Tempo.

Following our post of last weekend have been back this morning to shop and will continue to do so. This is the first week we have managed to get everything we wanted without trawling round other shops. Also, we were given 3 cartons of fruit juice FREE as a gift as were other customers in front of us. Am sure free gifts will not last forever but if you are not lucky enough to receive a gift this weekend, can only assume its on a first come first serve basis. Whilst there a survey was being conducted for feedback on impressions and on how they can improve their store.

We will see what happens now that Starling are doing internet shopping and delivery.

Not sure about internet deliveries - the Ambulance couldn't find us (what more can I say)

Just returned to Alsancak for April/May delighted the shopping choice has expanded we have always been satisfied with Atakara apart from fruit and veg which Lemar has always been very good at, called today @ Lemar Alsancak 'the Lady in Residence' was well impressed with meat/fresh veg/cheese counter, bonus we got free gifts at both Lemar and Atakara. We wish both success and longevity!

I've tried to find the Starling website for internet deliveries without success, could be a good idea, but I forsee a lot of complaints before they get it right!

Been to the new Lemar to do some shopping. i would like to congratulate the staff and management on the store. After spending many years in the trade myself as store manager/HR the store is doing extremely well and the friendly staff who pack your bag with a SMILE that makes me want to shop their again. I felt the service offered was brilliant ... keep up the good work guys your doing a good job for sure.....

It's a........ Supermarket. ?????

Can't help but give a wry smile 37 posts (and now 38) as to the pro's and cons of a supermarket. Not surprising people all around the world think of "mad dogs and English men etc etc" or at the very least eccentric!! i won't go until or unless something is done about the entrance/exit, otherwise it's just a supermarket!!!!!

Wise sophie (sophia?). It is just a supermarket. It does not stock what I want, so all the smiles in the world mean nothing! I get on well with the folk in Atakara and the Lemar at Karaoglanoglu, - so, I go to where I know they have what I want.

Yes, the staff are nice and I see they have an English woman on the deli counter to make the Brits feel comfortable, I guess, but again, unless they sell what I want when I want it, then --

But yes, Sophie we are quaint, but then as the syaing goes 'All the world's queer save thee and me - and even thee is a little queer.' Please note the use of the word 'queer' here is the old fashioned concept of 'odd'!!!!