small shops and corner shops around town

Yes, I read that the Vale Do Lobo store had opened.

Any news of the one at Cerro Grande opening again?

cubsur wrote: The Ali Super opposite the Health Centre has re-opened I think. Certainly people were going in and out but I was on a bus, so couldn't be 100%. This is the one closest to Eden Resort, Clube Albufeira and Camping Albufeira.

It is indeed, my man on the spot, Ron ( or Uncle Albert, as Floyd's Bar customers might know him ) was in there yesterday and confirmed that the shelves are fully stocked.

cubsur wrote: I can confirm that the former Alisupers in Avenida da Liberdade and also the one at the Windmill Hill end of town next to Arte Bar are both being repainted into new company colours. I didn't see anyone actually working nor were there any notices concerning re-opening. Watch this space.

Oops sorry never noticed this post.

See above - shop is open.

Bedlam wrote: I do hope the Cerro Grande re-opens as it is very near my new place

That is the best news I've heard all day

Update Alisuper in Acoteias.

Well, it's reopened but still under the name of Alisuper. However, it has undegone a complete refurbishment - new logo, new facia, new fidges & displays. The butcher & fresh fish counters have been reinstated as have the deli & bakery departments. The shop is now fully stocked (first time in 3 years) so all in all, it's a great improvement & it does look quite nice.

Didn't have time to do any in depth price checking so it will be interesting to see on my next visit if they are now even remotely competitive with everyone else - previously they were excessively expensive compared to the competition, both locally in Acoteias & slightly further afield in Albufeira.

And of course, pricing will ultimately be the difference between success & failure. You can "rebrand" & smarten a store up as much as you like but unless your prices are reasonably competitive then you stand little or no chance of surviving.