Haris Ηristοthoulakis, head of Select SA, which has two super markets, including a large outlet in Hersonissos, has announced that he will open a new store in Kokkini Hani, at the site of the old Neon fast food in the town centre.

This announcement confirms that there will soon be three major supermarkets within approximately 200 meters of each other, all centered around the busy Anopoli Road intersection.

Just west of the junction, Halkiadakis, Crete’s largest super market chain, is about ready to break ground for the construction of its 33^rd store.

Meanwhile, Hatzis, one of the area’s oldest super markets, which will be boxed in with a new store on either side, continues with its expansion plans which will culminate in a complete shopping centre.

In his latest move, Yiannis Fragiathakis, owner of Hatzis Super Market, has announced the acquisition of the famous Hatzis Taverna, Kokkini Hani’s oldest taverna.

This expansion move comes on the heels of last month’s re-naming of Cosmos Super Market, directly next to the taverna, back to its original name of Hatzis.

“Now both places will be operated under one name, as they were for so many years – a name that has become synonymous with tradition, quality and fine service,” Mr. Fragiathakis said.

Late last year, on acquired property directly across from the super market, he opened a gift shop, ΔΩΡΟ-προτάσεις, a parking area for about 30 cars, a Western Union office and a post office. In addition, a full-service car wash will be added shortly, according to current plans.

“The expansion of the Hatzis group constitutes a serious effort for the upgrading of the Kokkini Hani area and increased services for its residents,” Mr. Fragiathakis said. “We will provide a place to park your car, have it washed, do your food or gift shopping and relax with a snack or a meal. Also, there will be a parking attendant to watch your car and assist with your bags. And, we are now gearing up to provide home delivery for food and shopping via telephone and computer ordering.”

With the three major supermarkets in such close proximity to each other, local residents, plagued by skyrocketing costs, are hopeful that it will result in more competitive food pricing and special-offer programs.

“I’m looking forward to offer our unique marketing concepts to the residents of Kokkini Hani and its surrounding area,” said Mr. Ηristοthoulakis. “We import many of our own products, cutting out the middleman, and passing the savings along to our customers.”

In addition to the Kokkini Hani store, he said Select is building a three-level super market – department store in Hersonissos which should be ready before the end of the year.

A spokeswoman for Halkiadakis chain, which started in 1980, said they are not concerned about the competition since “the store’s reputation for high quality and unique service has been well known throughout Crete for almost 30 years.”

Also, the Elit chain, consisting of eight full-service super markets, has a location in Kokkini Hani, but some distance from the others – about two kilometres.

In addition to the major outlets, the village of Kokkini Hani has some 15 other supermarkets of varying size.