Myna’s Supa-mart and Bakery bigger and better

By Deidre Tautua – Fanene 04 October 2018, 12:00AM

Small and medium size businesses are some of the core pillars of development occurring across Samoa.

Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, said this at the official opening of the Myna’s new Supermarket at Vailima on Wednesday night.

As a regular customer herself, Fiame said the new location of the supermarket is significant in the development of the community, especially for the community of Vailima.

“I know the presence of the members of the diplomatic corps and this area, of course, is the area where most of our diplomatic communities are also based.”

“And I know that you also value the services provided by Myna’s Supermarket,” she said. 

The Deputy P.M. said the project demonstrated growth in the business sector, especially services needed by the community.

“We see and witness the growth of Myna’s Supermarket in the early days at Matautu Uta and then to Vailima from a supermarket to a petrol station, and now to this larger premise and it shows growth and we must celebrate.”

“It is not only growth in terms of the family themselves and their hard work, but it also demonstrates the growth around the businesses especially the needed services by our respective community. So congratulations for this significant occasion,” she added. 

Papali’i Niko Lee Hang’s youngest daughter, Myna Vaitupu, spoke of the early days of the company. 

“In 2002 our little mini mart opened on a quarter acre land at Vailima and it was just a little grocery store. Eventually we had our own bakery and then along the way we opened up butchery and then we walk in freezers. We just kept expanding bit by bit and we made use of that quarter acre.”

In early 2012 the gas station next to the supermarket opened. But after 16 years of operation in the old building, customer feedback suggested the need for a bigger retail outlet. 

“This project kick started last year in September. There were some challenges such as the weather and also the carpenters and also resources were not always available at the time we need it – a year later and finally we can open.”

“This new supermarket is on a half-acre land and it’s definitely bigger and better along with more car parks and also a well set up produce market outside.”

“This produce market outside is to assist with our customer’s needs of local fruits and vegetables and also the families who have their stall here we don’t charge them rent. It is our way of helping the people of our community,” she added. 

Mrs. Vaitupu said Mynas Supermarket has 30 staff members with the majority of them youngsters, which will ensure they keep out of trouble and assist their own families. 

“One part we like to have in this community is to give the young people a chance in a way to help their families by offering them jobs and also keep them out of trouble and hanging out in the street too much. This is a family shop and we really think about families and that is why we have that logo family on the invitation.”

By Deidre Tautua – Fanene 04 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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