Just like anyone else in world, Islanders need to go shopping. So here it is,the biggest supermarket in Ramsey, Shoprite. I think the name is rather ironic, "Wrongshop" would be a more suitable title. I won't tell you the local name for it, but if you substitute the r with a couple of other letters, you'll get there.Shoprite, Isle of Man, is not to be confused with Shoprites in America or South Africa. They are not at all related. If they were, I'm sure the range of stock would be considerably wider. There are 10 presently dotted around the island, varying in size with the largest in Douglas carrying clothing franchises, Peacocks and Tchibo. All branches carry Iceland and Waitrose products foodwise. Confusing isn't it?
Shoprite Bingo is a game we locals play when buying supplies. Get in quick, if it's in buy in bulk, always go for the offers. If you don't it's gone the next day, and it can be a long wait 'til the shelves for a particular product are replenished. That includes local produce, not just the stuff we ship in from across, the UK. It's not a pretty sight when they don't have my favourite, strongest coffee in there!
I said this wouldn't always be a pretty "sunsets blog", but warts and all . More of carbuncle, Shoprite, needs an overhaul or Tescos in Douglas, which has a great online service, will clean up and continue their world domination.
14 comments:
Interesting picture and your shopping experience story, Well untill there is more competition these people will never correct themselves, hope for a better shopping experience for you.
Like the point of view on the pic and how the converging lines draw my eye into the frame.
Also, love the shopping story. At one time we lived in a rather small mountain community in Colorado. The local shops were kind of useless but driving to the nearest city took about an hour one way so, like you, we were kind of stuck. Things changed drastically when the roads were improved and bigger chains started to move out into our direction. Without competition these stores, being the only game in town, don't have much incentive to meet the needs of the consumer.
I couldn't imagine having a large supermarket like this that only replenished its stocks now and then. There's a kwik save in the estate over from mine that was so creepy - the shelves were always half-empty, never anynoe in there and really high ceilings. The piped-in music was always echoing. It was a frightening experience when I was forced to go in for some emergency mouthwash after a trip to the dentist. Don't you have any other clothing shops apart from Peacocks ad that other one (which I've never even heard of!)? I think I'd keel over without H&M...
Ciao, thnx for the add!
Scarlet
http://jamjarsuperstar.blogspot.com
Sounds like Shoprite is about as wanted there as WalMart is here,lol. I try as much as possible to stay out of WalMart but when it's really the only store nearby with everything, sometimes the temptation gets the best of me, ugh!
Jamjarsuperstar(I love your name),
Yes, we have chain outlets in Douglas,such as Next,Monsoon and New Look to name a few.Even a M&s,Woolworths and Boots.Biggest is the newish TK MAXX.Smaller local shops are the norm.
My answer is, shop online or when real cabin fever strikes,a trip to Liverpool or Manchester and buy the shops out.Retail therapy.
Black and white certainly conveys the mood to match your story. And yes, I've guessed the two alternate letters. This is food for thought on earth day - unnecessary pun not intended at first. : ) We have Wal-Mart in the US, as someone else mentioned.
After reading your story I guess black and white is a choice of wisdom for this photo!
il faut montrer son univers sous toutes les coutures, et tu le fais bien avec ce b&w. J'avoue que j'ai pas bien tout compris ;o))
It is necessary to show his universe in all its glory, and you do well with this b & w. I admit that I have not fully understood everything ;o))
I miss everything about the Island including Shoprite. It is rubbish, but I know I am home when I see it.
The last thing you want is Tesco!
Tesco is killing local trade. I can't imagine a world with so small a supermarket.
I'm glad you're showing warts and all, it gives a much more all-round view of the island.
I laughed out loud to read your description! Hey, thanks for visiting and commenting on my Villigen blog.
i hate ShopRite...urg, i work across the road from the Port Erin one and it drives me insane, some of the servers such as on the deli counter are SOOO rude, and the food doesn't taste that nice. Prefer going to the Co-op, there again that's so small you can fit about one person in the aisle and doen't even think about turning around to look at the shelves behind you without knocking everything off.
Since the wilkinson's (oh sorry, ShopRite Living) opened up down in Pt.E. as well, business has gone down dramatically, they're also killing local business' Orchard walk sold home furnishing's; tools; etc. already the tool shop had to close down since it opened.
LOL babooshka, i liked getting off the Island to go shopping in Liverpool and manchester aswell, but now with Euromanx gone bust, and I don't like the Steam Packet, my refusing to fly with FlyMaybe and Manx2 doesn't help either.
All in all, looks like i'm stuck with yah ShopRite, I suppose the nice countryside of the island compensates though...
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