A Brief History of Yerevan City Supermarkets
Yerevan City Supermarkets is the largest grocery chain in Armenia, known for its wide range of products, accessible locations, and convenient 24/7 hours at many branches. As one of the most popular supermarkets in Armenia, Yerevan City has become a common choice for locals and visitors alike, though customer experiences reveal both conveniences and areas where improvements could be made.
Founding and Early Years
Yerevan City was established with the goal of creating a modern grocery shopping experience for Armenian consumers. In its early years, the supermarket focused on building a solid presence within Yerevan, quickly gaining popularity for its variety of goods and competitive pricing.
Expansion Across Armenia
As demand grew, Yerevan City expanded its network beyond the capital, opening branches in other Armenian cities. This expansion allowed more customers to access a broad range of products in one place, including local and international brands, making Yerevan City a one-stop shop for many Armenian households.
Becoming Armenia’s Largest Supermarket Chain
With continued expansion and improvements in inventory, Yerevan City solidified its place as Armenia’s leading supermarket chain. By providing 24/7 services at many locations, the chain positioned itself as the go-to supermarket for various household needs, from groceries and toiletries to specialty items.
Pricing and Discounts
Yerevan City Supermarkets initially attracted customers by offering affordable prices on a wide range of products. However, shoppers’ opinions on pricing have become mixed over time, with many finding certain items more expensive compared to other local supermarkets.
Initial Affordable Pricing Strategy
In its early years, Yerevan City was known for its competitive prices, positioning itself as an affordable choice for everyday shopping. This approach helped the supermarket chain quickly gain a loyal customer base and establish a reputation for value.
Current Pricing Compared to Other Supermarkets
While Yerevan City still provides affordable options on certain items, customers now report that some products are priced higher than those at other Armenian supermarkets. Price-sensitive shoppers may find that some essentials are more budget-friendly at competing stores, such as SAS or Parma, which has led to mixed perceptions regarding Yerevan City’s current pricing.
Discounts and Loyalty Program
Yerevan City offers occasional discounts on select products, though these sales tend to focus on limited items rather than storewide promotions. The supermarket also runs a loyalty program that allows customers to collect cashback points, which can be redeemed on future purchases. While the loyalty program is popular, customers are advised to check the expiration dates on sale items, as discounted products may be closer to their expiry dates.
Product Quality and Variety
Yerevan City Supermarkets aims to offer a broad range of products, including fresh produce, groceries, household essentials, and personal care items. However, customer feedback highlights a mix of strengths and areas for improvement in terms of product quality and stocking practices.
Freshness of Meat and Bread
Yerevan City is a popular choice for fresh meat and bread due to high customer turnover. Since these items sell quickly, they are restocked frequently, making Yerevan City a reliable option for those seeking fresher meat and daily-baked bread compared to other supermarkets. The bakery section, in particular, is known for a wide variety of bread options, which are replenished regularly.
Expiry Date Concerns
One of the most frequently mentioned issues among shoppers is the presence of expired or near-expiry items on store shelves. Customers have observed that newer products are often placed behind older stock, making it difficult for shoppers to access the freshest items. This approach has led to instances where customers inadvertently purchase items close to expiry, which has impacted trust in product freshness.
Variety of Local and International Brands
Yerevan City provides a wide selection of both Armenian and international brands, offering shoppers access to products from countries like Russia, Poland, Iran, even Japan, Thailand, and China. This variety is appreciated by those seeking options beyond local brands, as it allows for a more diverse shopping experience.
Damaged Product Packaging
In some cases, damaged products, such as resealed snack packages, have been observed on shelves. While minor packaging damage can happen during transport, customers feel that visibly compromised items should be removed from display to ensure quality and confidence in purchases.
Temperature Control and Refrigeration Issues
There have been customer reports of products requiring refrigeration, such as dairy and frozen foods, not always being stored at the proper temperature. Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of perishable items, and consistent refrigeration practices would address concerns about product safety and freshness.
Key Features of Yerevan City Supermarkets
Yerevan City Supermarkets offers several helpful features that make shopping more convenient, including 24/7 hours at many locations, parking, a loyalty program, and self-checkout options.
24/7 Operation at Many Branches
Many Yerevan City locations are open 24/7, which is convenient for people with busy schedules or those who need to shop at any time of day or night.
Parking Availability
Most branches have large parking areas, making it easier for shoppers who drive, especially in busy parts of the city where parking can be hard to find.
Loyalty Program with Cashback
Yerevan City has a loyalty program that lets customers earn cashback points, which they can use on future shopping trips. This program is popular with regular shoppers and adds value for those who shop frequently.
Daily Discounted Items
Yerevan City often offers daily discounts on select products, allowing shoppers to find good deals on various items. However, customers are advised to check the expiration dates on discounted items, as these are sometimes near expiry.
Self-Checkout Options
Some Yerevan City branches have self-checkout machines, giving customers a quicker option to check out on their own. However, customers mention that these machines are sometimes closed, especially at night, and can occasionally have issues. When working well, self-checkout can save time, but reliability could be improved.
Currency Exchange and Pharmacy Services
At many branches, Yerevan City provides additional services, such as currency exchange services and 24/7 in-store pharmacies, adding convenience for shoppers who need to handle financial transactions or access medications during their shopping trips.
Customer Experience
Yerevan City Supermarkets has grown rapidly, and while many shoppers appreciate the convenience, others have noted some areas where the experience could be improved.
Store Organization and Item Placement
Customers report that items are often moved to different sections or placed in areas that don’t make sense. For example, some frozen items, like ice cream, might be stocked in both the sweets aisle and the frozen section. This lack of organization can make shopping confusing and time-consuming, especially for regular customers who expect a familiar layout.
Checkout Delays and Self-Checkout Issues
Though Yerevan City’s staff generally work efficiently, customers report that the checkout process can be slow, particularly during peak hours when the system sometimes lags. Self-checkout machines, while convenient, are occasionally unavailable, especially at night, or may have technical issues, adding to wait times.
Online Shopping and Delivery
Yerevan City offers online shopping through its website and app, making it possible for customers to shop from home. However, it’s important for customers to note that delivery handlers may simply select items from the shelves as they are, which means the items delivered might not always be the freshest or newest stock. This is not intentional but can occur due to the nature of the handling process for online orders.
Store Cleanliness
Some shoppers have noted that certain branches could be better maintained, particularly in high-traffic areas like produce sections. Regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the day would enhance the shopping experience and improve customer confidence in the products.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yerevan City Supermarkets
What are Yerevan City Supermarkets’ operating hours?
Most Yerevan City branches operate 24/7, making it convenient for shoppers at any time.
Is there a loyalty program or cashback system at Yerevan City?
Yes, Yerevan City Supermarkets offer a cashback system that allows customers to earn and use points for future purchases.
What should people look for when shopping at Yerevan City Supermarkets?
When shopping at Yerevan City, customers should check the expiration dates on products, as there have been reports of near-expiry items on the shelves. It’s also helpful to look carefully at refrigerated and perishable items to ensure they are properly stored. If ordering online, keep in mind that delivery handlers may select items directly from shelves, so the items may not always be the newest stock. For those looking to save, daily discounts are available, but again, checking dates is recommended to ensure freshness.
Do Yerevan City Supermarkets offer online shopping?
Yes, Yerevan City has an online shopping platform and a mobile app for placing orders.
Are fresh products available daily at Yerevan City?
Yes, they restock items like meat and produce daily to ensure freshness.
Do Yerevan City Supermarkets have self-checkout options?
Yes, Yerevan City is one of the only supermarket chains in Armenia offering self-checkout, though availability can vary by location.
