Berbicians are enjoying a new shopping experience with the opening of J’s Supermarket at Strand, New Amsterdam a few days before Christmas.
The supermarket replaces the JP Santos & Company Ltd branch that was operating on that spot and was closed some time ago.
Jason Sirpal told Stabroek News that his parents opened the branch there because they wanted to provide a “top-class” facility, not just in Berbice but in the country.
The supermarket which stretches a “couple thousand feet” is well-stocked with a variety of products and customers are able to shop in comfort through the spacious aisles.
Jason said they not only want people to enjoy good prices, but a great quality of service as well. “It’s not just about picking up something and leaving; it’s the complete package.”
Jason, who along with his wife Deepa, was overseeing the business for his parents, said it would “give Berbicians something to shout about.”
His parents who have been operating a supermarket at Republic Road, New Amsterdam since 1985, had also been selling in the New Amsterdam Market 10 years before.
According to Jason, they realised that Berbice was “behind in everything” and residents had to go to Georgetown whenever they needed special items.
He pointed out too that it costs a lot to cross the Berbice Bridge to get there as compared to crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge which is just $100.
For that reason, he said, the family needed to “make another investment; we decided to put our money back in Berbice instead of looking to go to Georgetown.”
They are also in the process of completing the facility and said they would be adding “milkshakes and a variety of other stuff” to the cafeteria in the building.
Jason said his father, Ramanand Sirpal, had a vision about the way he wanted the supermarket laid out and wants the business to be a “world-class facility.”
Besides, he said, the business is leading in terms of technology because his brother who deals with software has installed the latest programmes.
