What do the forum members think of the traders who set up on the sea front at night?
I had a lengthy discussion with Irini, who has the Art shop by the quadbike hire shop, about the problems of having a business in Arillas. She was unhappy because the "beach traders" can just setup for a few hours at night and trade without having to pay Tax, Rental, and any other Taxes that are payable in Greece. She said that it took trade away from the legal shops in the village and that it was hard enough anyway, to make money to be able to survive through the winter months.
I don't know how authentic the products were that were sold by the beach traders. I also realise that some of the Arillas shops sell goods that are made in China or other areas outside of Greece. But, I think that everyone should realise that if a local shop keeper isn't supported, there maybe another empty shop when you go again next year.
I haven't been to Arillas before, but I was a bit concerned when I saw places like the Arillas Inn and Whispers closed down. It would only need a few more shops to close and it would give a completely different feeling to the village. A bit like the high streets back home. The people who own the shops and restaurants also help to create the character of the village and are a great source of information.
I just thought that I should pass on Irini's concern.
I loved some of the things she had in her shop although some were a bit pricey they were beautiful. She made notes that her art work were all her own impressions and feelings and they were very impressive and very colorful. Also, she had some pottery not found elsewhere on Corfu which were lovely too.
Difficult one Terry.
All Arillas shops have very fair prices, for example I bought a small bath mat from Ina's Supermarket last week and then saw the same one on display in Acharavi for 1.60 euros more.
I think most of us like to support local shops away, as we do at home, but the problem is most of us like a bargain. And, what if a Beach Trader was selling something which you didn't see in the local shops, and it was a "bargain" - What to do eh?
I don't think that "Whispers" and "Arillas Inn" closing has anything to do with these traders but take the point that trade can be taken away from local shops. We all know that the summer profits help to take them through the winter.
I do think that, if it becomes a much larger problem then,Arillas willl put pressure on the local council to sort it. I wonder how long I'd last driving up and down in a "Mr Whippy" ice cream van every day?
Regards
Negg
I bought some bathmats there too Negg and they were only 3.50 euros which I thought was a terrific bargain.
Blondegirl
I even asked Yiorgos if he'd priced them wrong. Same mat just over 5 euros in Acharavi.
(But what would we have done if a Beach Trader had them for e2.50?)
Negg
I had to tell you about my experience of Ina's this year. My watch stopped, so I went in to the shop to see if they sold watch batteries. They did. Then out came the tool kit and the magnifying glass and Yiorgos started to dismantle my watch and fit the new battery for me. I was really grateful. When complete I put my watch back on, which he had set to the right time for me and I went to pay. No charge he said, the batteries cost very little and you are a good customer! I nearly fainted, where in the UK will you get that? What a sweeetheart, we were only there for 2 weeks but instead of taking whatever he could, he wanted to help and not charge! I was overwhelmed at his kindness, just like everyone in Arillas.
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Mike had the same thing happen... we walked to San Stefanos and Mike bought a watch there. When we got it back to Arillas he noticed a couple of days later that it stopped. He went to Inas Supermarket and told them where he bought it, they changed the battery for him and wouldnt accept payment.. we thought that was amazing we didnt even have to walk back to San Stef either. What service! If it was a beach trader how would you track him down again? I used to work in a jewellers and changed batteries in watches and they charged £5.00 each for doing that.
I agree a service like you get in Arillas would definately not happen in the UK..
I bought a very nice bath mat for next to nothing at thet new shop next to the Malibu in May......
A few years ago there was a girl selling the most beautiful earrings by the beach but she was only there one season. I have to confess I bought about a dozen pairs - some for me, some for presents - in loads of different clours. They look a bit like spiders webs and everyone always admires them She said she made them her self and I never saw them for sale in any of the shops. The following year there was a guy selling wooden giraffes and statues etc and I could never really see the point of that.....
About 11 pm last night we took a stroll down to the Beach Front. We only saw 2 small tables set up. One selling earings and the like and the other doing hair braids.
Maybe it gets busier at the weekends.
Negg
Negg
I think 'Mr Whippy' ice cream van would do a roaring trade - why is it when we are abroad we can never get Mr Whippy Ice cream - it is so lovely!!! Perhaps you should put the idea forward to the villagers
Tracey x
I think it would melt before you got back to the beach
Mr Whippy Ice Cream?
Whatever next - Eggy on his "stop me and buy one" bike
(http://www.canalmuseum.org.uk/ice/stopme2.jpg)
There were no beach traders when we were there in May so it must be the high season they appear.
Yes Smiffy....they only appear in high season.
Terry
Can you see me riding that after a few ouzos. It would be a question of :-
" If you stop me maybe you can have one!"
Negg
I bought a little diamond puzzle ring from the original jewellers in San Stephanos a couple of years ago. Now I have to admit I have bought quite a bit from him over the years not just for me but for my Daughter. When I was there last year I happened to mention that a stone had fell out, he immediatly told me to leave it with him and he would get it repaired in Corfu town.
Sorry going to go off track here but:
Corfu Town is another issue, had a horrible experience with one of the jewellers there in the tourist end. Saw a diamond ring I loved and as it was our 25th wedding anniversary Mick bought me it. They reduced the price for us and were so nice, they even cleaned all my other rings, offered us drinks etc. They told me to get it valued in England and let them know the valuation the next time we went over as they had given me such a bargain. Well I did exactly that, my God could have hit the floor when I had it valued and not for a good reason.. The value was about half what I paid for it and it wasn't cheap could have had 3 holidays to Arillas for the price Mick paid. I did as they said and returned the following season they were all smiles when I went into the shop but an hour later they were so hostile. I had taken all the valuation paperwork etc with me from England and they said I must have taken it to a back street jewellers for the valuation. Don't get me wrong I love the ring but I will never spend that much money abroad again.
Hey Eggy, you couldn`t give me a backy on that!lol.
Lindy P.
I'll look that word up and then come back to you.
Negg
Lol. Kes might know!
I am still giggling.... very funny!
Sally and I have found that you can buy everything you need as a holidaymaker in Arillas.In the past we have bought a lot of stuff in Corfu Town only to find it cheaper back in Arillas,so apart from very expensive items eg my swatch which we get in Town or some olive wood stuff from our friends shop,everthing is bought in the shops of Arillas.I have know people hire a car just to get to Sadari to buy cheaper booze,but at the end of the day as consumers its upto the indeviduals as to where the shop,but at least whith a shop if something goes wrong you can always take it back
Theres a new shop that sells booze in Arillas. Seems to be much cheaper than anywhere else.. It just had wooden racks of the stuff, just past the Kebab place on the right. Also opposite Monas boutique the little supermarket does some cheap booze too. And did you know that the Taverna next to Monas does ouzo for 1 euro a shot... we know someone who spent all afternoon there drinking ouzo watching the world go by... and you know who you are dont you ;)
I think it is important to support the local traders - although it is a difficult one when a beach trader is selling something that is not available in the shops.
I do most of my shopping in Arillas (although I have been to San Steph just to go to the shop that sells the glass jewellery - which is now available in Arillas!) - the people of Arillas are just so friendly and helpful - I would rather pay a little more if I had to than go elsewhere.
On numerous occasions Sandy and I have shopped in Yiota's shop - sometimes for people at home - Yiota always tells us to take the item (s) with us and if they are no good just bring them back on our next visit - no question of us giving her money upfront. Sandy and I were also bridesmaids at wedding which took place in Corfu last October and we were delighted to be able to get our dresses from Mona and our shoes and jewellery from Yiota - it sort of felt "right" to be able to get our stuff from the local traders. The only other place I really tend to buy things is in Acharavi at the shop owned by Ina's sister in law, Nikki, who used to work at Ina's shop a few years ago. Nikki and I have become really good friends and I do like to buy stuff from her just to give her a bit of support too.
One place i will recommend for something different is Perdetas in San Stefanos the glassware jewellery is ever so good Sally has a few pieces now.I agree shop local where you can,as i said before you do save money as well.This shop selling bronzes sounds interesting.Sally likes Sea Shells as well(the shop)and we do use Inas on the front a lot,we liked her place that was next door to Wok House and Alexs is another.Billys is good for Greek Beans,you just have to cook them.Oh i could go on.
Harold,
Its so strange that you have written the post about Perditas in San Stefanos, today.
When I got home last night a package had arrived from Perditas with some items that were too large for us to take back on the plane. We wanted a couple of the "lamps" that made from the old roof tiles, and its was so nice to unpack them and think that I was holding something that was from the Arillas area that was over 100 years old.
The Lamps were made by Kostas, who is Perditas husband, Perdita and Claudia who is Perditas sister. The tiles were from a house that had been a family home for Kostas for many years. The tiles were made by people who formed the wet clay over their thighs, hence giving a unique concave tapered shape.
We also bought a mirror and some hanging fish, a sun and some glass lemons. All we need now is some nice weather at home to appreciate them in the garden. We feel that the items were really good value, and it was nice to know that we had met the people who had actually made them.
They have a web site at www.perditasglassart.com
Terry
Joyce and I love Perdita's and are going to treat ourselves to a mirror or some lamps when our house is ready.....Irini has a few pieces in her little shop if pople want to look before walking over the hill to San Stef.
For anyone who has not visited Perdita's here is her website:
http://www.lichtquellen.com/en/index.html
Eileenxx
It sounds like a place I`d love to visit, thanks for all the info. Any idea on prices etc?
Not cheap....but worth it to have something different. She does fantastic pendants and earrings that reflect in the sun.
Each wall lamp is different, therefore depending on the amount of glass work involved the electric wall lights made from old roof tiles range from 65 euros upwards.
Free standing candle lamps made from old roof tiles are around 50 euros
Stained glass mobiles start at around 12-15 euros.
Eileenx
Sounds great. Thanks again.