Executives at the Xtra Valu supermarket in the Oakes Field Shopping Plaza are reporting strong sales after the food store's first weekend in operation. The store, a new player on the supermarket scene, officially took over the site late last week which formerly housed the old City Market food store. The opening has created 28 jobs and re-energized the struggling plaza. Demante Major, the store's manager, told Guardian Business that Xtra Valu has seen scores of customers since the weekend. "We officially opened our doors this past Saturday," he said while re-stocking some already empty shelves.
"It's been promising so far and customers have been responding well. We are looking to run a successful and efficient operation. Our prices, services and standards are what sets Xtra Valu apart from the competition." The manager added that following the closure of the old City Market store, the company always had plans to open at that location. He referred to the plaza as a "desert", although he believes that the brand is a winning concept that Bahamians demand. Xtra Valu should also benefit from legions of College of The Bahamas students once classes resume next year.
Merald Joseph and Lyndera Grant, first-time customers at Xtra Valu, spoke very highly of their shopping experience and welcomed its opening. Visiting from Exuma, Joseph said she was particularly pleased with the pricing and the variety of items being offered. "This is my first time here. I actually live on Exuma and I came to pick up some stuff with my mom. From what I've seen so far, the prices are good. I heard about the store and so I decided to come to in and see what value I could get with my money on certain items," said Joseph.
"I think it's a good thing with it being here because it's in a good location and they needed a food store in this area." Grant was also impressed with the location and cheap prices. "It's in a great location, fully stocked with cheap prices. I have found it to be cheaper than other stores. Considering the country's economic climate, this store caters to everyone, especially for those who are less fortunate. They are able to find quality items for a cheap price," she noted. The store has a polished interior with new shelving, equipment and signage.
According to Major, it took his team three months to get the Oakes Field location up and running. While Xtra Valu is the only supermarket to bear that name, it represents the ninth location for the owner, Ellis Major, head of the Buy-4-Less and Budget food stores. The manager told Guardian Business yesterday that there are no immediate plans to open up another Xtra Valu location. That said, the company isn't ruling it out for the future. But for now, the store's executive said that the focus is solely on the new Oakes Field location to ensure it's successful.
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