A new DSL Cash and Carry branch was opened yesterday on Sheriff Street by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
The facility, which is located at the corner of Sheriff and John Smith streets (opposite the Guyoil Service Station), cost in excess of $150M Stabroek News was told and stocks a wide range of goods including food and toiletries. This is the fourth such branch launched by DDL, with the others being in Ruimveldt, Diamond and New Amsterdam.
DDL Marketing Director Sharda Veeren-Chand told this newspaper that this latest branch is a part of the company’s attempt to expand its services.
This location was selected because it would benefit several areas in the vicinity, she explained.
And according to her, work on the project started in March of this year. Further, she said that the company hopes to open another branch next year.
During yesterday’s opening ceremony, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of DDL said that this latest branch is testimony to the growth of the company over the years.
He said that the company has moved from one specializing in spirits to one also into brands.
He also explained that a Cash and Carry outlet was different from a supermarket since it sought to promote wholesale purchases.
Persaud said that there was an automatic reduction in the retail prices, if a customer purchased more than one item. He said that this type of service has gained popularity since the company opened its first such branch in Robb Street in 1993. Although it had its challenges in this area, he explained that when the store was moved to its current Ruimveldt site, it proved to be a huge success.
Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad was also present at the opening, and saluted Persaud and DDL for this initiative.
He said that it proved that the private sector was doing well in spite of the challenging circumstances.
This, he said, proved that businesses were doing fairly well in Guyana in spite of the global financial crisis.
The Minister also saluted the company for its sterling contribution to the business environment in Guyana, mentioning that its involvement in the Institute of Private Enterprise Develop-ment (IPED), has served the nation well.