Save-A-Lot Store opens its doors

The presence of the Save-A-Lot Food Stores in St. Vincent and the Grenadines promises to not only benefit Vincentians, but to increase the competitiveness in the supermarket business here.{{more}}

This was conveyed during the soft opening of the supermarket franchise, on Monday, November 21, 2011.

The site, which previously housed the National Properties Food City, and before that, the Marketing Board Corporation Supermarkets, was opened to the public on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

Chris Ornelas, Regional Director International License Development of Save-A-Lot Food Stores, stated that customers of Save-A-Lot food stores in St. Vincent can expect a unique shopping experience. Ornelas added that their focus is on providing items that will be in a buyer’s pantry, as well as targeting low prices.

She added that there are five Caribbean food stores and 1,700 store operators across the United States.

Ken Boyea, shareholder’s representative, stated that he believes that the Save-A-Lot Food Stores will be to the liking of Vincentians, especially those living in the Grenadines.

Noting that with supermarket busines you must have volume, Boyea stated that though the Marketing Corporation and the National Properties Food City had the consumers’ interests at heart, they did not have the volume that was necessary.

Also giving remarks, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stated that the government, through the National Properties, owns 30 per cent of the supermarket and will divest 2/3 of that percentage to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gonsalves also noted that there has been a tremendous expansion in privately owned supermarkets. He added that he hopes that the Save-A-Lot food stores are sharper in their competition so that we, the consumers, will benefit in quality and price. Mentioning privately owned supermarkets such as Bonadie, Randy’s and C.K. Greaves, Gonsalves added: “Let’s see how Save-A-Lot can go with those who know the market.”

Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown St. Clair eLeacock, filling in for Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, who was unable to attend the function, stated that the Opposition welcomed wholeheartedly the Save-A-Lot supermarket, which will cause the consumers to be the ultimate beneficiaries.

He also encouraged the supermarket to be responsible corporate citizens. “Part of our own expectation that as you ply your business for profit, you will also bring corporate responsibility to you business …you will choose your own niche market to lend support to the core development of our Vincentian people,” he stated, mentioning the contribution of other supermarket entities towards Sports, Culture and Education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He also encouraged the supermarket entity to make space available on their shelves to cater for local agroprocessors, so as to enhance and advance their entrance to the market.

Giving closing remarks, Andrew Chastenet, Chairman of Consolidated Foods Ltd., stated that through partnering with Vincentians, they intend to bring their experiences and expertise to the table. He added that he hopes that all Vincentians will benefit from such a partnership.

The supermarket employs about 49 Vincentians.