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Hi-Lo Liguanea up and running - GraceKennedy continues supermarket expansion

Published:Wednesday | August 31, 2016 | 12:00 AM
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Jermaine Barnaby
Don Wehby (left), Group CEO, GraceKennedy, telling Pauline Tucker that her shopping bill will be paid for by Hi-Lo Food Stores.
Jermaine Barnaby
From left: Don Wehby, Group CEO, GraceKennedy; Marliyn Bennett, wine consultant; Andrew Bellamy, councillor caretaker, Mona Division; and Ruel Reid, minister of education, youth and information, enjoy their cocktails during the tour of the new Hi-Lo supermarket in Liguanea.
Jermaine Barnaby
Don Wehby (centre), group CEO, GraceKennedy, shows off ground provisions in Hi-Lo to Minister of Education Ruel Reid and Fayval Williams, minister of state in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, during a tour of the new Hi-Lo supermarket in Liguanea, St Andrew on Monday, August 29.
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Hi-Lo Food Stores Liguanea was officially opened on Monday, August 29, by Don Wehby, Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, who conducted a tour attended by Fayval Williams, minister of state in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; Senator Ruel Reid, minister of education; customers and journalists.

The project was completed within five months as part of a US$8-million renovation programme which began in 2014. This 13th Hi-Lo location is positioned to meet the needs of the large number and cross section of people who frequent the Liguanea business district to get their shopping done.

"The opening of this store is in keeping with our plans to transform and grow the Hi-Lo Food Stores business in Jamaica. This is a first-rate location, which is in keeping with our commitment to delight our customers with world-class shopping experience. We are grateful to our partners, vendors and our well-trained front-line team members who deliver world-class service to each customer who walks through our doors," Wehby said.

The new branch includes a meat department, produce section, deli, bakery, floral bar, juice bar and spacious aisles neatly stocked with a wide range of goods that are easy to find. The branch is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

In 2014 and 2015, Hi-Lo completed the renovation of its Manor Park and Barbican stores, respectively, while the revamped Fairview location in Montego Bay will be officially opened before the end of the year. Portmore is slated for renovation in 2017 followed by Spanish Town and Cross Roads.

 

GROWTH IN PROFITS

 

The Hi-Lo chain delivered growth in profit in 2015, attributable to improvements in the product mix, along with the implementation of sustainable cost-containment measures.

A branch of First Global Bank, as well as Western Union and Bill Express outlets will be housed within the store. These three are part of the GraceKennedy Group.

"Our growth plan includes delivering an integrated retail strategy which serves our customers who use both our food and financial services. While shopping, they will be able to easily get other business done as well. We are making the most of the existence of the branch locations, even while building out our online and digital channels that are available both within the food and financial divisions," Wehby said.