Despite the quirks and drawbacks of network stores like Pyaterochka and Magnit, they're still the most visited in the country. These stores are basically everywhere - near my house, near my work, near my daughter's tech school, and even near my husband's workplace. It's like they're on every corner.
And yes, I've got these stores right next to each other near my work, near my house, near my husband's work, and near my daughter's school. So, even if it's not for groceries, we still pop in regularly for some fresh bread or whatever.
Both store chains have been opening and closing locations in the same areas, and their staff has been moving around between them. They've been renovating, adding ramps and 'smart' doors, price scanners, in-store bakeries, self-service kiosks, apps with discounts and rewards, and all sorts of other stuff.
It's like they're competing 'hand in hand.' And people aren't as eager to rush to hypermarkets as they used to be, say 10-15 years ago. That's because a lot of what they need is already available in the 'convenience stores near home,' and the rest is on online marketplaces.
Whether I'm buying groceries for home or some office supplies for work, or just some snacks for tea, I end up in both 'red' and 'green' stores equally often.
Still, there are some things that I prefer more in Pyaterochka.
The household chemicals and pet supplies section in 'Perekrestok' is about 2-3 times bigger than I've seen anywhere else. They've got a ton more shampoo brands, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Plus, the trash bags and roll-up towels are way cheaper and better quality than what I've seen at the competition.
I can even buy tights and hats here, and I saw some face masks on the shelf too.
The freezer section is super organized, and they've got a ton more options for different types of products - fish, meat, pierogies, and even nuggets. The layout is really clean and easy to navigate.
I've tried some of their in-house baked goods, like the ugli sandwiches with spinach and the croissants with strawberry jam - they're really good. But, I have to say, not every store has their own bakery, and I didn't see one near my work.
The self-service kiosks are a huge plus - they're popping up in more and more stores, which makes life easier for both the customer and the cashier. But, they're not everywhere yet.
And the price scanners? Genius! Most 'Magnit' stores don't have them yet, only the new ones. Sometimes the prices are so high, you need a scanner to check them. But in 'Perekrestok', they're always there.
However, even 'Perekrestok' has its flaws. Like, I saw 'Tiret' on sale, but the prices were still marked up. The fresh prices were the same as the regular ones.
I've noticed that the number of staff in these stores is a major issue, especially in the grocery sections. But for some reason, the number of staff per store is usually lower than in 'Magnit' stores.
What did they offer for New Year's?
The sweet treats have been overpriced for ages. They even bring in those pesky corn nuts. That's the kind of stuff they bring in for the holidays.
I'm not really into alcohol, but 'Lev Golytsyn' is what our clients bring in to celebrate the upcoming New Year.
They have craft sets.
Gift sets. On the checkout counters, they have Christmas decorations.
I grabbed some candies to go with my tea today.
All in all, I've been to these stores and will continue to go.
Kudos to the following:
- a much broader selection than in 'Magnit' stores,
- price scanners,
- several types of products are of better quality
- loyalty program
- self-service kiosks
- in-store bakery
And the cons:
I've noticed that not every location has a CSO (Customer Service Office).
There's a pretty small team, to be honest.
I'd give 'Perekrestok' 4 out of 5 and still keep visiting.