LIME launches prototype Lifestyle Store
Published:Friday | November 29, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Richard Browne, Business Reporter
Telecoms company LIME Jamaica has launched a cleaner, more modern design at its Lifestyle Store at Half Way Tree Road - a prototype for the upgrade of its retail stores nationwide.
The store's $50 million upgrade features 'touch and feel' displays.
"This is one of the best retail experiences anywhere in the world," said Garfield Sinclair, managing director of LIME Jamaica, at Wednesday's launch.
The Carlton store is "not gold standard, but platinum standard", Sinclair said.
The concept was designed by Chute Gerdeman, an American strategic branding and design company based in Ohio. Chute Gerdeman who specialises in creating retail space for a variety of companies, was responsible for the new feel of Verizon Wireless stores.
Jamaican suppliers, however, were responsible for most of the furniture and other inputs in the LIME Lifestyle Store.
Stephen Price, vice-president of retail at LIME, says the store will have tech-savvy representatives on hand to help customers refine their choice "based on your lifestyle, budget and desire to spoil yourself".
There is also a separate section for small and medium-business customers to try out the technology.
The concept will be rolled out to the 11 other stores that LIME owns. First up will be the store at King Street, Kingston, which is scheduled to open in early December in time for the Christmas rush. Other stores to follow will include Fairview in Montego Bay, Sovereign in Kingston and Bargain Mall in Half Way Tree.
Dealer stores will also take on the concept "within two years," Elon Parkinson, corporate communications manager at LIME, told the Financial Gleaner.
A regional roll-out is also a possibility in LIME's other country markets. Parkinson said that idea "is being considered".