More than $2 million has been spent on the construction of the six stores that have so far been unveiled by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
That figure represents approximately 25 percent of the funds that have been designated for the construction of 14 retail spaces.
Geoff Houston, the CEO of BTC, told Guardian Business that the budget for the stores is $8 million.
He noted that preparing these stores has been quite substantial, as millions are being invested to ensure that all retail spaces across the country are modernized.
"In total, I think we are going to get to at least 14 or 15 retail stores and then we are looking to build 30 more stores," according to Houston.
"The 30 stores will be built after the flagship locations have been completed. They will not be owned by BTC, but we would like for them all to be remodeled to the same standard and look as our flagship stores."
The opening of the Shirley Street location yesterday comes just days after another location was opened in Georgetown, Exuma.
In February, BTC invested $240,000 in the launch of two stores in Grand Bahama within three days of each other.
The stores on Pioneers Way and High Rock represent projects number two and three on a laundry list of major renovations and reopenings throughout the country for BTC.
BTC's new flagship store in the Mall at Marathon kicked off the initiative in January.
"The new concept fits the BTC vision of offering better choices for its customers," said Marlon Johnson, BTC's vice president of brand and communication, 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."
Johnson noted that the openings so far have been within budget and on schedule.
He revealed to Guardian Business that presently work is being done on the Governor's Harbour store in Eleuthera and the Seahorse Plaza location in Grand Bahama.
"We are still in the process of building those stores. The stores are expected to be completed within the next six to eight weeks," he noted.
The six flagship stores that have been opened in 2012 include three in New Providence, one in Exuma and two in Grand Bahama.
Six other locations are also under construction, including four in Eleuthera and two in Abaco.

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