I recently paid a visit to the Metro Cash & Carry in Voronezh, and it was a bit of a mixed bag. The shopping center has been around for two decades, but it's clear that a lot has changed since then.
For starters, entry is now free, which is a nice touch. However, you still need to show your Metro card when paying for goods at the checkout. They've also set up self-service kiosks, which is a convenient feature.
To get a card, you can use the express service, which is super convenient. And, just like other shopping centers in the city, Metro offers home delivery of goods, which is great for those who don't want to venture out.
However, I was a bit let down to see that Metro has removed a lot of its original products from the assortment. Gone are the days of browsing through rows of clothing, shoes, and household appliances. Now, the selection is more limited, and it shows.
The trading center's premises haven't changed much, and the prices are still all over the place. Some items are a great value, while others are way overpriced. It's a bit frustrating, to be honest.
One thing I liked about this shopping center was how easy it was to navigate. The signs pointing to different product categories made it a breeze to find what I was looking for.
I was happy to see that many products were on sale, and it's always a bonus when you can snag a good deal. The selection of New Year's gifts was also impressive, with plenty of options to choose from.
Metro has more than just food products, of course. They have a huge selection of household chemicals, personal care items, textiles, and gifts. And, let's not forget about the drinks - they have a vast selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
As I made my way to the checkout, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. What used to be a whole trolley full of purchases now fits neatly in a bag. My shopping list was short and sweet: Rice Puffs Mistrals, Oat Puffs Nordics, Instant Cicory, and tea.
After paying for my items, I was left with a sense of disappointment. While Metro has its perks, it's not the go-to destination for entrepreneurs looking to stock up. For regular customers, however, there's no point rushing to the Metro for a small number of items.
I'd give Metro three stars, but only because of the memories from past years. Some things, especially the clothes I bought from Metro, are still in good condition and get used regularly. Life changes, and if Metro doesn't adapt, it'll only lose more customers.
Despite the passing years, the trading center still has a large free parking lot.
Metro 20 years ago and Metro today are two completely different trading centers!
3. To get a card, you can use the express service.
4. Just like in other shopping centers in the city, Metro offers home delivery of goods.
The entrance doors are generously wide.
As soon as you step inside, you can feel the New Year's atmosphere. There are plenty of New Year's items: Christmas trees, toys, interior decoration, and other essential festive details.
One of the things I liked about this shopping center was how easy it was to navigate. The signs pointing to different product categories made it a breeze to find what I was looking for.
I was happy to see that many products were on sale. It's always a bonus when you can snag a good deal.
This shopping center had a great selection of New Year's gifts. I liked that you could check the ingredients of the gift (on the large box) and choose fresh products.
I noticed the small Alenka chocolates with different prices, depending on the amount of product you buy.
Every department had a promotion: the more you buy, the less you pay.
Rybniy department.
Meat department.
Dairy products.
I've never been a fan of the bakery section in a shopping mall - it's just not that interesting!
Fruits and vegetables at Metro aren't a great value either.
The ice cream selection wasn't impressive either.
Of course, Metro has more than just food products.
Household chemicals and personal care items.
Textiles and gifts.
They have a huge selection of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
I've wrapped up my review, and I've realized that not only has Metro changed over the past 20 years, but so have I. What used to be a whole trolley full of purchases now fits neatly in a bag.
My shopping list
Rice Puffs Mistrals
Oat Puffs Nordics
Instant Cicory
Tea.
I can head to the checkout now. There are hardly any customers in the shopping center.
My receipt.
So, what's the takeaway?
I wouldn't say it's a good idea for entrepreneurs to stock up here, but for regular customers, there's no point rushing to the Metro for a small number of items!
I'd give Metro three stars, but only because of the memories from past years. Some things, especially the clothes I bought from Metro, are still in good condition and get used regularly. Life changes, and if Metro doesn't adapt, it'll only lose more customers.