A NEW investor, American Stores, with a furniture chain based in Trinidad, hosted a glitzy media event in the Savannah Suite of Pegasus Hotel, in Georgetown on Thursday, to announce the Guyana launch.It was hosted by Mr. Austin Ogle, Manager of the Guyana stores; Mr. Jared Hamilton, Regional Manager, New Business of the group, as well as Ms. Pauline Hamilton, a consultant who is advising the enterprise.
The flagship is located at the corner of Regent and Cummings Streets and will open to the public on November 29, the same day the company is opening a second store on D’Urban Street, also in the city.
Asked by one of the reporters what will be different from other furniture stores, Ogle responded that they will compete on quality and price.
He said, even though they will carry many of the same brand name merchandise, currently offered by others, they would be able to offer proven quality at a lower price, which should be welcome news for Guyanese customers.
In addition to the quality and low prices, the company will also offer hire purchase as an option, Ogle said.
Nationwide presence
For the benefit of the full complement of Guyanese media, the company laid out its very ambitious plans to gain a stranglehold in this country by establishing a nationwide presence.
According to Ogle, they plan to open stores in places such as Linden, Upper Demerara River; Berbice, Bartica and another part of Essequibo, all within the next 6 months.
From information the officials shared with the media, American Stores are planning an all-out drive to take over the furniture business locally. Towards this end, they are sponsoring the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) international race meet in Guyana, which is one of the premier sporting events, not only in this country but the Caribbean, involving riders from as far afield as the United States (U.S.), Canada and the Cayman Island taking part.
But American Stores is not stopping there, they will also give away free coupons to members of the public, which can be redeemed at any of their outlets when they make purchases.
The business has also roped in Adrian Dutchin, a well-known Guyanese Soca artist, to assist them in their marketing campaign.