Lo Crispin has two fantastic new supermarkets, and it only took 15 years!
It’s an exciting time on Lo Crispin Urbanisation, Algorfa. For more than 15 years, residents have waited patiently for a small independent supermarket to open in the commercial centre, and now, just like when we’re waiting for a bus, two come along at once! In the last month, Lynne’s and MiniMarket Iglesias have both opened their doors, to the great delight of local residents and holiday home owners.
In this feature, I talked about how important it is to use local independent traders, and why the big supermarket isn’t necessarily the cheapest option. Talking to Lynne, she makes some interesting points why shopping local is a good idea.
Prices have been going up everywhere, on everything, for ages now. You just don’t notice it on a big supermarket shop, especially when you pay by card. But when it’s just a couple of items paid for with cash, it’s more apparent. And if you’re on holiday, eating out for your main meals and just needing to keep a few basics in your accommodation, it can actually work out cheaper shopping local. It’s not all about pricing.
Add to this the cost in fuel, time and wear and tear on your vehicle, plus you’re unlikely to come out of Consum with just a bottle of milk, a loaf of bread or a pack of butter, and shopping local suddenly seems more attractive. Aside from other considerations, you’re supporting local businesses who may bring something different to the community, and that has to be a bonus!
Lo Crispin’s new supermarkets may be situated close together, but they are very different in their approach and the services they offer. Let’s take a closer look at each one. For more information about services and opening times, click on the sub headings, which will take you directly to their Facebook pages.
Owner Lynne knows Algorfa well, having owned an apartment in Fontana 1 in Algorfa for 15 years before moving to Lo Crispin in 2020. She has a sound business background over many years and even turned her crafting hobby into a business, selling wool and craft accessories on Zoco Market. She’ll be providing that service on Lo Crispin once the dust has settled from the opening.
The supermarket stocks a mix of English and Spanish products, as well as exclusive home made pies, pastries ready meals and desserts created by Lynn, Lynne’s friend and assistant and former owner of Alldays Supermarket in Algorfa. And if you can’t wait to get home with your fresh baked goodies, you don’t have to. You can enjoy your treat and a cold drink on the premises, because Lynne’s also boasts a coffee shop with a small but varied snack menu. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and people watch for a while.
Another feature of Lynne’s is the excellent choice of ice cream flavours and pick and mix sweets available. There’s a good selection of daily papers, magazines and puzzle books – and not just in English either! Lynne really does cater for all ages and tastes, and she has lots of plans to make her spacious store with its light, airy terrace more than just a local supermarket. Watch this space!
Just a few doors away from Lynne’s is MiniMarket Iglesias, run by Eloy, a 21 year old of Spanish and Belgian heritage. He’s excited to be the first supermarket to open on Lo Crispin – just under two weeks ahead of Lynne’s. Eloy is really looking forward to practicing his English on the residents of Lo Crispin, and helping his customers with their Spanish, so as well as the usual suspects in the store, you can enjoy an intercambio!
Lynne looked at the unit Eloy occupies, but it was too small for her vision of how her business would develop. However, it’s size makes it convenient to just pop in and grab what you want if you’re in the middle of dinner prep and you’ve run out of a vital ingredient. And if you’re not in a hurry, La Hacienda Bar is just a couple of doors away, so you can relax with a drink before heading home with your purchases!
Eloy offers a selection of freshly baked bread and croissants each day, as well as an impressive range of Belgian beers, so there’s a real international flavour there. For your convenience, he’s open from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm on Sundays, so if you arrive late or have an early flight on Monday morning, you can get what you need when everyone else is closed.
The two new supermarkets on Lo Crispin are very different, as indeed are their owners, but they both have a great deal to bring to life on the urbanisation. Already there is a real buzz around the commercial centre, and they have only been open for a few weeks. With more businesses scheduled to open soon, the heart of Lo Crispin is set to beat strong and true for the foreseeable future.
Image credits: Supermarket shots courtesy of Lynne’s and MiniMarket Iglesias.
