By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Local supermarket chain Frankiesopened its newest outlet at Salelologa town last Friday.Speaking on the occasion, owner  Frankie Cai reiterated that his company is committed to further  developing of retailing in Samoa. Frankies  already has six outlets on Upolu.

“We are here in Savaii for the long run by helping our community in providing quality and affordable goods.�?

Mr Cai then presented three primary schools in Savaii with a hundred classroom chairs each.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi encouraged Savaii residents –  Salelologa in particular –  to lend their support to this latest retail development.

He also encouraged Frankies to apply minimal mark-ups to their goods so it can be affordable to the general  community.

“It is better to have a two tala  mark-up and sell your goods quickly like fast food than have a $50 tala mark-up  and see it sit on the shelves for weeks,�? said Tuilaepa.

Being the first to establish asupermarket at the recently-established Salelologa township, the Prime Minister
said, gives Frankies many advantages.

“There is no doubt that other outlets will also come here, but you will have the advantage of establishing
yourself first and developing good relations with your customers.�?

The Prime Minister urged the business community – and not just supermarkets – to make the move to Salelologa.

“That is why government decided to build this township. So services available in Apia are also available and  affordable here in Savai’i. As business grows so will the economy of wider Savai’i. As demand for goods and services increases so will activity in areas such as shipping, ransport and air links.�?

Frankies supermarket at Salelologa includes a butchery and a furniture and home appliances section.

Tuilaepa said Salelologa – which is located on a flat well-drained location – has more economic potential than  flood-prone Apia which sits on a swamp.

 

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