A new 5,000-square-foot John Bull store is poised to open this week at the Southwest Plaza, capping off a rapid period of growth for the up-and-coming area. The store, only the second John Bull to incorporate both the luxury retail experience and office supplies, will be fully open by no later than Saturday, according to Inga Bowleg, director of business development. Merchandise runs the gambit from watches, jewelery, fragrances, cosmetics, leather goods and cameras, along with two "shop in shops" by PartyLand and The John Bull Business Centre.
It has also created around 25 jobs, offering both new employment and shopping options just before the holidays. Bowleg told Guardian Business that the latest John Bull expansion is a testament to the rising commercial importance of Carmichael Road to the capital. "Our move to the Southwest Plaza is a bold statement as to our belief in our loyal local market patrons and the Bahamian economy as a whole," she said. The John Bull Group of Companies has indeed been busy lately.
The company has just finished renovating both of its Gucci stores, although the Bay Street and Saffrey Square location is still receiving work on the facade. "At the end of the year, we're always tying to improve our offerings, but things get delayed and now it seems to be coming together all at once," said Rick Hazlewood, president of John Bull. Now that the company has expanded to Carmichael Road, tenants at Southwest Plaza are more than pleased with the addition of another anchor property.
The plaza has been open for just over a year, and already the entire development is leased out, according to Christen Charlton, marketing manager for Southwest. Referring to Carmichael Road as the "new downtown", she told Guardian Business that the opening of John Bull has been anticipated for some time. "We have 18 tenants. BTC should be open as well in a few weeks, and it'll be right beside John Bull," she revealed. "The plaza is now full. That is the last spot."
Full occupancy couldn't come at a better time going into the Christmas shopping season, which should hopefully give Bahamians new reasons to buy locally rather than abroad. Charlton added that the plaza is running a promotion from now until Christmas Eve, whereby any customer spending more than $50 enters a draw to win up to $500. The plaza will announce 16 winners around Christmas.
She also revealed that Bamboo Shack, one of two restaurants in the development, will soon introduce its first drive-through service on the island. Other tenants include Lowe's Pharmacy, Big One, Bahamas Business Solutions, Exquisite Cuts, Fashion Hall, Star General and Commonwealth Building Supplies. "I think the fact we're bringing more variety into the area is a big deal," Charlton said. "Wendy's just down the road also opened. Carmichael will be the new downtown, so to speak. We are connecting the dots in this community one day at a time."
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