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Migros! Ah, Migros. My absolute supermarket here. You can find practically anything and everything under the sun there, from the freshest produce to top-notch electronics. Seriously, I picked up some amazing *peynir* (cheese) just the other day at the Migros down the street from my *ev* (apartment).
Migros Journey Through Time
From Local Store to Retail Giant
Store Formats
M Migros
Local stores (100-400㎡)
Migros MM
Supermarkets (400-2500㎡)
Migros MMM
Hypermarkets (2500-7000㎡)
5M Migros
Mega markets (7000+㎡)
1954
Founded in collaboration with Istanbul Municipality
1975
Koç Holding acquires majority stake
1991
Public offering on Istanbul Stock Exchange
2005
Acquisition of Tansaş
2015
Anadolu Group becomes major stakeholder
International Presence
Turkey
Primary market with nationwide presence
Kazakhstan
Operating under Ramstore brand
North Macedonia
Operating under Ramstore brand
Key Services
Migros Hemen
Quick delivery service in 81 cities
Migros Yemek
Online food delivery service
Money Pay
Electronic money and payment services
Mion
Cosmetics and personal care products
About Migros (From an Expat’s Perspective)
Let me tell you, Migros isn’t just ANY supermarket. It’s an institution. They are *everywhere* and have everything. I especially love their bakery section – the smell of fresh *ekmek* (bread) alone is enough to make me buy half the store! They really prioritize quality and you can tell. Plus, their prices are generally pretty reasonable, especially if you make use of their Money Card (more on that later!).
They’re constantly updating and improving, too. Last week, I noticed they’d completely revamped the *meyve* (fruit) section in my local store. It’s always sparkling clean and well-organized, which makes shopping such a breeze.
They’ve got every size you can imagine, from the tiny local “Migros Jet” for grabbing a quick *ayran* (yogurt drink) after work, to the massive 5M stores where I can literally spend hours browsing.
Paying is easy too, credit cards are widely accepted, including my Visa.
What You Can Find at Migros
Think of anything you might need, and Migros probably has it. Here’s a little peek at what typically fills my shopping basket:
- Mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m obsessed with Turkish tomatoes!
- All kinds of *et* (meat), *tavuk* (chicken), and *balık* (fish).
- Every kind of *bakliyat* (legumes) you could dream up (lentils, chickpeas, beans galore). Makes cooking Turkish dishes so easy.
- Household goods– everything from cleaning supplies to lightbulbs.
- Dairy – Yogurt is a staple in my Turkish diet!
- Breakfast goodies (like the best honey I’ve ever tasted). My Turkish friends introduced me to *kaymak* (clotted cream), and now I can’t live without it.
- Sweets and drinks – Turkish delight anyone?
- Even electronics and mobile phones!
Shopping Online at Migros
Don’t feel like leaving your house? No problem! Migros has got you covered with not one, but TWO online options:
Migros Hemen (Migros Immediately)
Migros Hemen is a lifesaver! It’s their 30-minute delivery service. Perfect when I run out of coffee or need a last-minute ingredient. It’s like having a mini Migros at my fingertips. They have a good selection of everyday essentials.
Migros Sanal Market (Migros Virtual Market)
The Migros Virtual Market is their full online supermarket. I used this the other day to do my *haftalık alışveriş* (weekly shopping) and got everything delivered straight to my door the next morning. So convenient!
They deliver all across Turkey, which is amazing. Even my friends who live in smaller towns outside of Istanbul can enjoy the Migros experience.
Migros Offers and Deals
Make sure you check out their website for their current offers – there are always some amazing *indirimler* (discounts) to be found! Here’s a shortcut: Migros Offers.
The Money Card – Your Key To Savings
If you plan on being in Turkey for a while, get yourself a Money Card! It’s their loyalty program, and trust me, it’s worth it. I was skeptical at first, but now I wouldn’t shop without it. I rack up *Money* (points) with every purchase, which can then be used like cash in any Migros store. It really adds up! You just tell the cashier you want to *Money kullanmak* (use your Money). Easy peasy!
Thinking of Opening a Migros Franchise?
Migros is a big deal here. Seeing those familiar red signs everywhere is a real testament to its success. So, naturally, people are always asking about opening a franchise. While it’s not easy (the requirements are pretty steep), if you’ve got the *sermaye* (capital), it can definitely be a lucrative business venture. Here’s where you can find out more about how to apply: Migros Franchise Information.
Types of Migros Stores – From Tiny to Tremendous
Migros comes in all shapes and sizes. Let me break it down for you:
| Store Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Migros Jet | Like the corner store – perfect for a quick stop. I often pop into these for *su* (water) or a snack. |
| M Migros | Your standard supermarket – a good selection of groceries, plus a few extra things. |
| MM Migros | Bigger than the M stores, with more non-food items. This is my usual go-to for weekly shopping. |
| MMM Migros | Even bigger! Think clothes, home goods, electronics… like a mini department store attached to a supermarket. |
| 5M Migros | The giants! These are usually in big cities or tourist areas. If you can’t find it at a 5M, it probably doesn’t exist! My visiting family loves exploring these mega Migros stores when they visit. |
Migros Toptan (Migros Wholesale)
Migros Toptan is the place to go if you’re buying in bulk. I’ve seen restaurant owners stocking up on supplies here. It’s not really designed for the average shopper, but it’s great for businesses.
Need to Get in Touch With Migros?
Here’s the Migros customer service number: +90 216 579 30 00
Get the Migros App
Download the Migros app! It makes shopping so much easier, especially for ordering online. Plus, you can often find app-exclusive deals. Here are the links:
- Android: Migros for Android
- iOS: Migros for iOS
Other Great Online Shopping Options in Turkey
Migros might be my fav, but there are lots of other great places to shop online in Turkey. I’ve had good experiences with Amazon Turkey, and Carrefour has some really competitive prices.
For other Turkish online stores, take a peek at Hepsiburada, and N11. Happy shopping!
