Local businesses interviews
Discovering the realities of local market from entrepreneurs perspective
Business: KALIΦΙ
Group of Michalis, Pelle, Nikola & Danai
As the manager of a beach bar that has thrived for six years, I’ve navigated through numerous challenges, including the hurdles presented by COVID lockdowns, licensing woes, and unpredictable weather conditions. To adapt, we diversified by introducing takeaway orders during closures and provided a welcoming space even during off-hours, offering free Wi-Fi and amenities like chairs and tables. Over time, our business plan organically evolved from a humble coffee shop to a vibrant snack bar, then a restaurant, and now a bustling party destination. Despite the obstacles, I’m immensely satisfied with our current standing, having tackled legal issues, weatherproofed our space, and fostered an environment that continues to draw in visitors.
Plus Market
Viktoria,Althea,Despina,Rasa
Franchise type.
Working hours: 7 a. m. – 11 p. m. (shift work).
Dress code – pants/jeans + t-shirt. No bonuses for workers. No deliveries. Promote the business with signs on the street, no loyalty cards.
Trying to stay open throughout the year as the business during the summer went really well.
Similar type shops (competitive company) 6,5 km and 13 km away (closed for winter).
The employee prefers the work place because of the quick access from the living place.
The payment method – cash and/or card.
Bazaraki
The first year of business (November 5th), working on Sundays 10 a. m. – 3 p.m. Planning to expand the business in December.
A couple bought a bar, renovated it (co-owners). The idea developed as there was a need to get rid of old unused items from an old bar and travelling around the world.
Their target group – tourists.
They are complaining that Cypriot youth do not want to work because of laziness and parents take care of their children. Mostly youth come from rich families. They noticed that Greek youngsters who come are most experienced compared to others.
The challenges they face – roadwork and the weather. When it’s rainy, nobody is out and stay indoors, when it’s sunny and hot, everyone goes to the beach.
Promotion: - on Facebook and Instagram, flyers to other shops, signs on the road.
Great Turtle Diving Center started eight years ago as a small family business in Paralimni. They chose the location because they are from the city.
They say that there's many competitions in the city, so that's also one of the reasons they decided to stay a small business because they also don't have partnerships with travel agencies. Seasonalibility highly affects their performance as the in Cyprus the summary is the main touristic season.
They have four divers who are experienced, one of them is the owner and the other one is his son. The owner has 25 years of experience in diving.
The diving takes usually 30 minutes and it generally costs 75 Euros. The minimum age is 10 years, but they also have a specific program for 8 to 10 year old children. Eight to ten year old children only dive up to 2 meters down while the Others up to 10 meters depending on their experience level.
The daily number of customers also varies in the summer, average is six people per day. Customers typically are who are staying in a nearby resort, mostly families or groups of friends, but there can also be individual reservations. Reservations are generally made throughout their website but also in low season like currently in November you can go inside and reserve on spot. In summer it is a bit more difficult because they might be already overbooked for the day.
They know that they are a small business and especially after the covid crisis they decided to just make sure that they can stay in business, they have no plans for extension.
Interview 1 :
Supermarket
PLUS Easy Shop
Which are the most active months for the business?
July – August. We used to be closed for 5 months but this year we will be open for the whole year.
How many clients do you get every day in the active season?
Around 150
How many clients do you get every day in the passive season?
It depends – 20-30…
Who owns the business?
Company of 4 people
How old is this business?
30 years
How many supermarkets are there in the business?
4 shops in this areal.
Do people ask for products that you don’t have in the store?
Sometimes yes but I can’t remember.
How many workers are there in one shop?
4 - in summer, 3 - in autumn, 2 - in winter.
What is the main issues in the work?
Restocking heavy products?
What is the average income per day?
Around 1000 euro.
