A new family-owned supermarket and café, named Family Choice Supermarket & Cafe PTE Limited, has officially opened its doors in Walu Bay, Suva. Located at Lot 37 Matua Street, the establishment held its opening ceremony on Friday, graced by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
Laleena Kumar, the owner, is already an accomplished entrepreneur, operating two other businesses in the area—Dispatch and Delivery Pte Ltd and Custombilt Sheetmetal Co. Pte Limited. Responding to community demand, Kumar decided to launch this venture as residents expressed a desire for a comprehensive shopping experience under one roof.
The supermarket, while smaller than larger chains, offers a diverse range of products that aim to meet the needs of local industrial workers and maritime islanders. Kumar highlighted that although the supermarket may have higher prices due to limited purchasing power compared to larger competitors, it still aims to provide convenience and accessibility to essential goods for the community.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised the initiative as a positive example of entrepreneurship reflecting stability in the Fijian government. “The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and co-operative market are the backbone of the Fijian economy,” he remarked, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses.
Kumar, who has invested approximately $200,000 into this new enterprise, has employed 30 staff across her businesses, nine of whom are new hires for the supermarket and café. The store operates from 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday, providing consistent access to its offerings.
The emergence of Family Choice Supermarket aligns with a broader trend of new community-focused businesses opening in the region, fostering economic growth and resilience. Similar to the recently opened Cagivou Supermarket, which aims to address local unemployment and empower youth, Family Choice reflects a collective effort to enhance local services and opportunities.
In conclusion, the opening of Family Choice Supermarket is a hopeful sign of community dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, contributing positively to both local economy and the services available to residents.
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