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Shopping So, at last, your new build is ready for occupation - or you've picked up the keys for that perfect renovation. Human nature, being what it is, you're probably pretty keen to move in, equip and personalise. For most people the Number 1 Priorty is probably a bed (although I know a few who would prioritise the fridge - Ed). Be aware that delivery could take a few weeks and, if specialised or customised, even longer. An exceedingly useful piece of kit is an inflatable aero bed. For those of you with memories of smelly, ribbed rubber tossing you to the left or right in the early hours of morning - or worse, simply collapsing at midnight - know that today's models have come a long, long way since those days of yore. They inflate electronically in just one minute, deflate accordingly and don't puncture that easily. Buy yours in the UK from Argos or John Lewis - singles about £60, doubles approx £100 , depending upon quality (you can buy them for much less - but will your back say 'thank you'?). They come in their own storage bags which can be stashed in the bottom of the wardrobe - in Bulgaria or back home - for future unexpected guests. ARON offers a wide range of bedroom, living, dining and kitchen furniture. Its Bourgas showroom is situated in the sothern suburbs but it has branches throughout Bulgaria. Delivery for most beds is two weeks although some models can be delivered in five days; others may take four weeks. ARON is very much a showroom - and a pretty large one at that - but customer service is not always prioritised. When we visited only one member of staff spoke English - and we had to ferret her out from the back of the office. Delivery costs in Bulgaria, as a percentage of price, are relatively high by UK standards - although this is partially compensated by lower product pricing. At ARON delivery is a pretty hefty 17.5%! If you're living within travel range of Bourgas you might find Helios something of a treasure trove. There are branches in Nesebar and Pomorie. It is probably worth visiting both as they frequently carry different stock. The staff are friendly and helpful and speak English. A particularly useful product we found was a bed with a hinged base that lifted to reveal massive storage space. If you're short of space - and who isn't - this seemed an excellent design concept. Helios also stocks well built sofabeds, wardrobes, cuboards and kitchen furniture. Delivery time seems to depend on location (and vehicle schedule) but as the item on show is the item you purchase, delivery is generally within a few days. For that fridge freezer and all other white and electrical goods RITONI is an essential port of call for those with access to Bourgas. All items are discounted and the numerous special promotions offer exceptional value. The staff are courteous and speak excellent English. Delivery costs are fair - and can be next day! A gem for the expat or holiday home owner is METRO - the multi national Cash and Carry. In Bulgaria there are seven stores in Sofia, Plodviv, Rousse, Varna, Stara Zagora and Bourgas. METRO operates throughout Europe and in India, Vietnam and Japan. In the UK it trades as MARKO. Its product range is as extensive as its spread - fresh and frozen foods, bedding, household items, mountain bikes, furniture, electrical and white goods, car tyres.......... Most local restaurants purchase their food from there - and so can you. It is a Cash and Carry - and so you'll need a Cash and Carry card. These are freely available to Brits who have bought property in Bulgaria. So turn up with a copy of your contract - the preliminary will do - as this contains your address and passport details. It helps to have with you your English translation so that you can point to the relevant paragraphs. In fact many Brits carry with them copies of these documents at all times. It assists when negotiating taxi fares home, the transportation of goods or deliveries. A useful additional item is a home drawn map detailing the location of your property. Should you require a translation of documents for this, or any other purpose and you are based in the Bourgas travel area, we can thoroughly recommend Stanislav Dacheff (details below). Happy Shopping!
Stanislav Dacheff - Landline: (0550) 22829 Mobiles 0888 528905, 0898 497296 Email dacheff@abv.bg, dacheff@mail.bg
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