SPAR Ballantyne — Local services in Harare

I will NEVER NEVER NEVER shop there again. Because of Zesa's ridiculous load shedding, I buy fresh food to eat on the same day. So I paid for one whole roast chicken and bread, got the message instantly to say the money had been debited from my account, and the swipe machine said "Approved ... Remove your card." But to my great surprise, SPAR refused to let me go, saying that their machine indicated that they had not received the money. The shop assistant said I should wait there for half an hour, to see that the transaction had been reversed, then I should pay again. I said I had no time for that, but I would come back to pay if money came back to me. The manager said the same thing, so I left WITHOUT MY FOOD. (-1) Star, if that is possible.

Perhaps that is why the place is empty, on a Saturday afternoon. Pathetic service. I went to PicknPay to get my food, it was busy but still checked...

This shop actually looks so neat. I haven't been there for some time, and it was good to see the layout. Temperature taking and sanitizer upon entering. Straight ahead, on a display, a glittering wonderland of Christmas lighting which gave it a festive feel. The aisles were neat. Meat section, bakery and wines/spirits neatly laid out. Just one problem upon paying- if the store is open to US$ payments, then change should be made available...

My favourite place to shop since I was a kid. Small so it isn't overwhelming. Friendly staff. Tucked within the suburb so it's never overcrowded. The road really really needs some help but the store itself is nicely laid out. Always well stocked. Pemcol bakery is in the same complex and they're the best in Harare for most things...