New supermarket, GrandMart, headed to Grand Anse Mahé |30 November 2021
A brand new supermarket is coming to Grand Anse Mahé, in the same location which housed the STC store, seeking to fill in the gap left in west Mahé with the closure of the state-owned retail store.
GrandMart, a brand name registered under KPV (PTY) Ltd, is expected to open its doors this week.
Managing director of KPV (PTY) Ltd and chief executive of GrandMart, Veronique Laporte, told Seychelles NATION that GrandMart is all about ensuring a great shopping experience that is easier, convenient and enjoyable.
“GrandMart will not only fill a gap but be the great supermarket required in the Grand Anse community, for them to have their daily necessities closer to where they live,” Ms Laporte remarked.
“Since three weeks ago, our team has already started a market survey for the Grand Anse neighbourhood and other nearby areas that would help us understand the market better. The survey, which expects to conclude within the first quarter of 2022, will help us to maximise customer satisfaction.”
GrandMart will offer services such as contactless transactions, loyalty cards and other online and in-store initiatives that will benefit its customers.
The supermarket is initially offering a variety of dry and perishable goods, both local and imported ‒ the majority of which are being sourced from local suppliers.
It is further bolstering its partnerships with vendors and farmers in Grand Anse Mahé, with the aim of guaranteeing fresher products and helping the community it is based in.
As from February 2022, GrandMart will be releasing its own wholesale brands of exclusive, affordable and quality products, which will also be sold at its supermarket at Grand Anse Mahé.
With Covid-19 transforming the way of doing business, fast-forwarding companies to adopt technology in new ways, GrandMart has invested in an IT platform that will allow it to launch different e-commerce initiatives and in-store promotions and activities.
GrandMart’s online shopping segment will be launched sometime in the second quarter of 2022, including personalised shopping services.
“We have also partnered with Absa bank for ATM and banking services, Airtel and Cable & Wireless for telecommunications services. All three companies have their presence on our premises to better serve the community.”
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to see how best GrandMart can ensure we have the required products, services and projects to properly serve the Grand Anse community,” Ms Laporte detailed.
A business opportunity is also currently open for a pharmacy or private clinic at the Grand Anse GrandMart location.
GrandMart is presently employing 18 experienced staff, all of whom are Seychellois.
Ms Laporte observed that she is, thus far, very impressed with the team’s efforts and dedication, especially given the short timeframe to set up and operate.
“Most of the staff have worked with me in previous posts and know that although I take a very strict operational approach to business, I ensure they are always engaged. I always take very good care of my team, especially those who work hard and are dedicated professionally to improving the performance of the company,” Ms Laporte added.
From an idea mulled over coffee between friends five months ago to now a fully-fledged brick and mortar retail and wholesale outlet, GrandMart is also hoping to expand into other districts and even in Victoria, when practically possible.
Elsie Pointe