Hi-Lo re-opens in Liguanea
Published:Wednesday | August 3, 2016 | 12:00 AMKeisha Hill
Lane Plaza, Liguanea, is now home to Hi-Lo's newest supermarket location.
GraceKennedy Limited recently completed renovation of the 33,700 square feet of retail space, previously the home of Empire Supermarket which closed its doors last year.
The store will feature a floral hut, where customers can purchase fresh flowers, a range of ready-to-eat foods such as salads and sandwiches, and a juice bar, the third in the chain.
The budget for renovation was in the region of $100 million, and the complex will also become home to other GraceKennedy subsidiaries, including First Global Bank and Western Union, which will have outlets in the Liguanea area before the end of the year.
Renee Nathan, general manager, Hi-Lo Food Stores division, said the company remained committed to food retailing in Jamaica and has committed to investment in renovating, upgrading and acquiring stores across the island.
"We are no real strangers to Liguanea," Nathan said. "We have returned to the neighbourhood and our customers are familiar with the brand and have already indicated that they appreciate the fact that we are now back in the area," she added.
A BRAND-NEW STORE
Hi-Lo was previously located in the Liguanea Plaza across the road from the new location, but that operation was closed in 2009. Hi-Lo will lease the location for 10 years in the first instance, with the option to renew. It is expected that the store will become profitable within the first year of operation.
"We are looking forward to serving our customers with our trademark excellent customer service. With all the renovations, including lighting, refrigeration and even the floors, it is really a brand-new store," Nathan said.
Hi-Lo Liguanea is its 13th supermarket and the latest to be upgraded. The new store opened on June 24 with a soft launch, however, the actual launch is scheduled for later this month.
GraceKennedy is executing an US$8-million renovation programme across the chain, with the Fairview, Montego Bay close to completion and the Portmore outlet next in line for a facelift.
The new addition also presents an opportunity to tap potential customers with the revamped offerings implemented through the chain's current renovation plans. The Liguanea store is one of the biggest stores in the chain.