COLEBAY--The opening of Carrefour Market in the former Le Grand Marche building in Cole Bay on Friday is a sign of confidence in the country’s economy Prime Minister William Marlin told the scores of guests at the opening reception.
Carrefour Market spans 30,000 square feet and has over 50,000 products, adapted to the multicultural richness of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin. Carrefour Market focusses on proximity to the population, better product offerings and prices. It offers products from the Carrefour brands (Carrefour, Carrefour Bio and Reflets de France); a full range of consumer products (groceries, beverages, dry goods, cosmetics and hygiene, fresh self-service, fruits and vegetables, fresh meat etc.) and many other national and international brands.
Marlin told guests that when a business opens, or in this case re-opens, it is an act of faith in the future of the country. “It is an expression of confidence in the economy... It is an investment in our economy which also sends a message to investors beyond our shores that St. Maarten is still a very attractive place to do business... This government will do everything within its powers to improve the investment climate for all.”
Le Grand Marche opened its doors 15 years ago on Bush Road and expanded a few years later with another store in Cole Bay and two Gourmet Marches. “The reopening of this establishment... can be considered therefore another milestone for Le Grand Marche which is strengthening its business model of variety and low prices by introducing the Carrefour franchise.”
Carrefour is a known French hypermarket – one of the largest in the world. The word itself means “crossroads” in French. Marlin said the location of the supermarket in Cole Bay can be regarded as a crossroads between “the North and South of the island.”
“The reopening of this business offers all of us more freedom of choice, freedom of lower prices and freedom from a high cost of living because an important component of the cost of living is the price of food. No matter how good or bad the economy is, people must eat. And the St. Maarten consumer has learned to take full advantage of the open borders on this island we all share. In other words, they seek the best prices wherever they can find these, whether it is in Marigot or in Philipsburg, whether it is in Cole Bay or Hope Estate,” Marlin said.
Marlin said he had been informed that Carrefour items are around 20 to 40 per cent lower in prices. “I understand this is their strong response to the perceived change in buying habits of the consumers who have been flocking to the North to patronise some establishments whose bargain prices had become a main attraction. It would seem to confirm the quote attributed to Herbert Hoover that ‘Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.’”
He added that while government understands that lowering prices for consumers, especially in a rather sluggish economy, is a way of improving their standard of living, it is also true that creating incentives and an environment for businesses to grow is essential for the economy to thrive.
“This new Government is of the view that economic development and a sound business climate are equally important and necessary to sustainable development and as stated in our governing programme... We are therefore committed to ensuring the long term viability of St. Maarten’s economy by stimulating economic growth. Government will work towards boosting and diversifying our economy through various initiatives and projects, focussed on creating a good investment climate, and facilitating business development.”
The retail sector “is a very important segment of that economy, catering not only to individual consumers, but also to hotels, restaurants and to buyers in the neighbouring islands. I am convinced that the reopening of Le Grand Marche in Cole Bay, under the banner of the Carrefour franchise, will provide tremendous economic benefit to the community.”
Le Grand Marche Group executive Danny Ramchandani and Le Grand Marche Managing Director Anil Sabnani told guests about the objectives behind the Carrefour Market. The former Le Grand Marche Cole Bay location was completely refurbished and all the equipment replaced with new ones for the Carrefour Market. Labour Minister Emil Lee and Carrefour executives also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony.
At the end of the reception, held in the parking lot, guests had a chance to tour the facility. A surprise was also thrown for Sabnani’s birthday, who cut a cake upon entering the establishment and took a shot from a huge bottle.
The Carrefour Market is located at #53 Union Road, in Cole Bay. With more than 10,100 stores in 34 countries, Carrefour Group is a leading retailer in Europe and the second largest worldwide.
