The Supermarket Bansko has one large brand new supermarket (2006), not too dissimilar to those we are use to in the UK. The supermarket is situated on the Blagoevgrad road and is one of the first buildings you will see as you drive into Bansko. You can’t miss it as it is bright orange with a green neon sign on the side of it saying ‘Tuborg’. It is open from 9am to 9pm every day of the week. The staff are very friendly and helpful but they do not speak much English. However they are very used to tourists and smiling and pointing usually allows you to get what you need. At the checkout the cashiers pack your bags for you, don’t be tempted to help, however long you feel it is taking, this will only end up offending staff.       There are a wide range of goods and products available, with many brand names that you will recognise. There is a hot food counter selling freshly cooked chickens, ribs and pork. There is also a cold food counter selling a range of salads, olives and other Bulgarian snacks. If you are staying in a self catering apartment, you should definitely make this your first stop; you will certainly find all the essentials, as well as many luxuries too. Obviously Bulgarian products are much cheaper than those that have been imported for tourists. However, on the whole prices here are extremely reasonable. Loaf of bread – £0.20 Jar of Nescafe – £2.00 English Breakfast Teabags – £0.70 Kellogg’s Cornflakes – £1.00 Heinz Baked Beans – £0.80 Dolmio Pasta Sauce – £1.10 8 Fresh Chicken Breasts – £2.75 Frozen Oven Chips – £0.90 Coca Cola (1.5 litre) – £0.60 Cucumber (0.25kg) – £0.17 4 Apples (0.75kg) – £0.30   Other food shops There are many other smaller shops selling essential items. They can be a little cheaper than the main supermarket but they certainly don’t offer the same range of products. However, they may be more conveniently situated and you are bound to find at least one within a short walk of your accommodation.