'Xtra Valu' Rises In Oakes Field

Tue, Nov 6th 2012, 08:01 AM

The Oakes Field Shopping Centre will soon be re-energized with the opening of a major supermarket at the old City Market location. While many specifics are unknown, Guardian Business discovered a polished interior with new shelving, equipment and signage. The exterior of the building is also receiving a new color scheme - red, white and green. Construction crews on-site told Guardian Business that Bahamians have been working "seven days a week" trying to bring the supermarket to fruition.

One construction worker said the projected opening date should be in a matter of weeks. According to signage in the supermarket, the name of the store appears to be "Xtra Valu", representing a new name on the supermarket scene. Workers at the site identified the owner as Ellis Major, head of the Buy-4-Less store at Mackey and Madeira Streets. Guardian Business left several messages for Major, but could not contact him before press time. Indeed, the opening of an Xtra Valu supermarket at the Oakes Field Shopping Centre would add a new player to the supermarket scene.

It should also provide a considerable boost in employment and provide a new level of convenience for residents and businesses in the area. In particular, the location will likely see a great deal of traffic from faculty, staff and students from The College of The Bahamas (COB). Winston Rolle, the CEO of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), said the former City Market managed to successfully operate there for a long time.

"Then they went through other challenges as a company, and that impacted the location," he explained. "It was stable, I believe. It's a stable location. You have the school environment and there is no alternative to Super Value in the area." The opening also marks a much-needed tenant for the otherwise vacant plaza. Back in August, CIBC FirstCaribbean announced it would close the Thompson Boulevard branch indefinitely due to an unspecified "review of its physical plant". Alternative arrangements were made for its 19 employees. The drive-through ATM has remained operational despite the closure of the actual bank. The only business now operational in the plaza is a photo shop tucked near the back of the property.

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