Cyprus is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean, and as such, it has a thriving retail industry. From local markets and shops to international brands, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will explore retail and consumer issues in Cyprus, including typical opening hours, major supermarkets, online shopping, expat-specific shops, and consumer rights.
Typical Opening Hours and Forms of Payment
In Cyprus, shops and supermarkets are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Some shops may close for a siesta period from around 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and then reopen until 7:00 p.m. Many supermarkets and larger shops are also open on Sundays, usually from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Cyprus, especially in larger stores and supermarkets. However, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when shopping at smaller markets or local shops.
Major Supermarkets
There are several major supermarkets in Cyprus, including:
1. Carrefour
Carrefour is a French multinational retail corporation that operates several hypermarkets in Cyprus. They offer a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household goods. Carrefour is known for its competitive prices and frequent sales.
2. AlphaMega
AlphaMega is a Cypriot supermarket chain that operates several stores across the island. They offer a variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items. AlphaMega is known for its quality products and friendly customer service.
3. LIDL
LIDL is a German discount supermarket chain that operates several stores in Cyprus. They offer a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household goods. LIDL is known for its low prices and weekly special offers.
4. Orphanides
Orphanides is a Cypriot supermarket chain that operates several stores across the island. They offer a variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items. Orphanides is known for its high-quality products and upscale shopping experience.
Online Shopping
Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Cyprus, especially in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A large number of Cypriots have switched to online shopping to avoid crowds and reduce the risk of infection. Some of the most popular online shopping websites in Cyprus include:
Skroutz Cyprus: Skroutz is an online price comparison platform that allows users to find the best deals on a variety of products, including electronics, appliances, fashion, and more.
Public: Public is an online retailer that sells a wide range of electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. They also offer home appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines.
Plaisio: Plaisio is another popular online retailer that specializes in electronics and home appliances. They offer a wide range of products, including smartphones, laptops, televisions, and more.
Debenhams: Debenhams is a British retailer that has a presence in Cyprus. They offer a wide range of products, including fashion, beauty, home appliances, and more.
Amazon: While Amazon does not have a local website in Cyprus, many Cypriots use Amazon UK to purchase products and have them shipped to Cyprus. Amazon UK offers free shipping to Cyprus on many products.
Expat-speciifc Shops in Cyprus
There are several shops in Cyprus that cater to expats and offer international products. Some of the most popular ones include:
Carrefour: Carrefour is a French supermarket chain that has a presence in Cyprus. They offer a wide range of products, including international foods, such as Asian, British, and American products.
Lidl: Lidl is a German discount supermarket chain that has a presence in Cyprus. They offer a variety of international products, such as German, Italian, and British foods.
Alphamega Hypermarkets: Alphamega is a Cypriot hypermarket chain that offers a wide range of international products, such as Asian, British, and American foods.
The British Food Centre: The British Food Centre is a store in Nicosia that specializes in British food products, such as tea, biscuits, and other grocery items.
The American Food Store: The American Food Store is a store in Limassol that specializes in American food products, such as snacks, candy, and other grocery items.
Consumer Rights in Cyprus
As a consumer in Cyprus, you have a number of rights under the law. Some of these rights include the right to:
- Receive accurate and truthful information about products and services
- Refuse to buy or use a product that is unsafe or defective
- Return a product for a refund or replacement if it is faulty or does not meet your expectations
- Receive fair treatment and not be discriminated against based on your gender, age, race, or other personal characteristics
If you believe that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact the Cyprus Consumer Association for advice and support. The Cyprus Consumer Association is a non-profit organization that works to protect the rights of consumers in Cyprus. They provide advice and support to consumers who have experienced problems with products or services. Their website is https://www.consumer.org.cy/.