The CEO of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) said he expects to launch 10 flagship stores across the country over the next 14 to 16 weeks, and bring the first franchisee to market by the end of the month.
Geoff Houston revealed that as many as 400 jobs should be created through this expansion.
BTC is indeed in the midst of an aggressive retail explosion since coming out with its much-anticipated 4G network late last year.
Beginning in New Providence and moving on to Grand Bahama, Houston told Guardian Business that more stores in Exuma, Abaco and other Family Islands are now in the sights of the telecommunications provider.
However, while the launch of the flagship stores is being seen as a major move, the BTC chief said bringing in franchisees "is a whole new business model for us".
"That is taking longer than we anticipated," he added.
"It's a whole new way of doing business that we have set up, but after that we expect it to fly.  We hope to license at least 30 to 40 stores owned by other people over the next 12 to 18 months."
Houston downplayed the expansion's potential to BTC's bottom line, and instead highlighted how it will prepare the company for competition.
"It will protect the business so we can provide a better level of service to customers," he explained.
From an everyday Bahamian perspective, it's also about creating jobs, he noted, with 300 to 400 projected during this period.
In terms of next year, Houston reported BTC should undergo a period of consolidation by taking stock of its gains, finishing the 4G network and completing the restructuring of the business.
He said the company will "fix up our pricing at bit more".
By the end of the March, BTC plans to introduce a new billing system for prepaid, Houston added.  A new voicemail platform and a texting platform is also on the agenda.
Despite all the change he said, "we need a period to settle down."
Last month, Guardian Business reported the two store reopenings in Grand Bahama - on Pioneers Way and High Rock -  represented a $240,000 investment and 100 jobs for Bahamians.
These reopenings followed the unveiling of BTC's new flagship store in the Mall at Marathon in January.
"The new concept fits the BTC vision of offering better choices for its customers," said Marlon Johnson, vice president of marketing and brand communications, in reference to the opening at High Rock. "Now, people of East Grand Bahama can do much more than pay a bill and can access all of the latest telecommunications technology in their own community."
Whereas previously the High Rock branch only offered a basic payment center, the 160-square-foot store now provides the technology and conveniences of a modern retail store.
Similar improvements to products and services are expected across the Family Islands

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