Markamix Outlet: A Tourist Trap You'll Want to Avoid

Listen up, fellow travelers - don't waste your time and money here. The only good thing about this place is the insane selection, but trust me, it's not worth the hassle.

The guides and tour operators will immediately start offering you a free transfer - but don't ask them, ask the tourists who've been here for a while or the locals in the hotels. They don't care where you go, and they might suggest something good or tell you where not to go.

Here's the thing: the prices at Markamix Outlet are outrageous compared to the local market. Get an idea of the prices at the market beforehand, because you'll be shocked at how much more expensive everything is here.

Markamix Outlet is located at Turkey, Antalya, Alanya, Zamanoğlu Street, 53. In our case, it was literally across the street from our hotel, but that's not the point. The point is that it's a paradise for tourists who don't want to walk around the markets under the scorching sun and can find everything in one place - souvenirs, clothes, sweets, dishes, textiles - and everything on six floors, which you can move around on a comfortable elevator.

But the convenience comes with a hefty price tag. On average, the prices of all products here are 2-2.5 times higher than the nearest market. I compared prices, and it's true. The clothes are clearly not of good quality, or they're from old collections, or they're not synthetic - although the salespeople assure you that it's 'pure cotton'. The food products and kitchenware are the same as in the local shop next to the hotel, absolutely nothing different.

The salespeople in each department pounce on the tourists like vultures, inviting them and literally shoving things into their hands. Everyone speaks very good Russian, which can be a bit intimidating if you don't speak the language. The bright signs 'Discounts' are trying to lure you in, and many are led astray because you don't have time to go looking for something else. We left these purchases for the last day, and it was a total letdown.

The choice is huge, but for this money, you can buy cheaper. When paying at the cash desk, they throw the things into bags with lightning speed, count them similarly, show the amount on the calculators, supposedly make discounts - but in fact, not a very good discount. Behind them, there's a huge line of tourists, all with purchases, given the choice, it's a shame to buy nothing. You don't have time to recount. When you get to the hotel, you count the amount. Mine came out to be around 5000 rubles - this is still little, I didn't have the goal of buying more. The only thing that's cheap here is the magnets for 1 euro, the rest can be found cheaper.

The tour operators and guides, directing you here, get a percentage of your purchase at the store's reception. Yes, there is a reception desk, and there's a list of hotels and guesthouses, as well as the tour operator's company that sent you here. A young smiling Turk asks for this information and gives you, supposedly, a discount coupon - but in fact, it's a fiction. In the textile department, at the cash desk, the tough girls, who roll their eyes when you start haggling, and stand in a pose - apparently, they have such an assignment: don't give discounts. On the way back, we weren't taken by the transfer, one of the salespeople - a tall elderly Turk, nice to talk to - literally waved his hand, saying you won't wait for the bus, and helped us carry the things across the street. I remind you that the hotel was right next door.

Worth every penny? Not on your life. If you want to spend more than you planned, come here. And if you want to walk around the local markets, study the local trade, and also haggle for cheaper prices, then go to the local markets. Don't waste your time and money in this store. It's beautiful only from the outside, inside it's a complete scam.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

The prices at Markamix Outlet are significantly higher than the local market.The quality of the products is not as good as you'd expect, and the salespeople often misrepresent the materials used.The salespeople are aggressive and pushy, trying to get you to buy more.The 'discounts' offered are often not as good as they seem, and the cashiers are not willing to negotiate.The tour operators and guides get a percentage of your purchase, which is a clear conflict of interest.Overall, Markamix Outlet is a tourist trap that you should avoid at all costs. The convenience of having everything in one place comes with a hefty price tag, and the experience is not worth the hassle. Save your money and time by exploring the local markets instead.