The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday said it had invested just over $1 million on its retail roll-out to-date, and seen sales increase at all the five completed outlets .

BTC opened its sixth location yesterday with the unveiling of its refitted Shirley Street store, and Marlon Johnson, its vice-president of branding and marketing, said: "I would estimate we are probably approaching just over $1 million dollars so far in actual build out investment.

"We have been getting very good customer feedback on the outlets. I think that is reflected in the fact that sales have gone up in all of those locations that we have refurbished, just by virtue of having a wider selection of products that are more accessible.

"There are more plans for New Providence as we go through and do our refurbishments. The next store opening we have planned, I believe, is the Treasure Cay, Abaco, store and the Sea Grape plaza store in Grand Bahama."

Mr Johnson was unable to say exactly how much sales had increased at the company's refurbished retail outlets.

BTC's chief executive, Geoff Houston, said at the recent opening of the company's Bay and George Street location that the growing demand for smart phones had boosted sales at the company's Mall at Marathon location by 35-40 per cent year-over-year.

Mr Johnson told Tribune Business yesterday: "I think customers have been pleasantly surprised. I think that they are experiencing the retail experience they have grown accustomed to in the United States; walking into a store that is properly designed and laid out, and that actually allows them to touch the devices and interact with them.

"Phone sales are not a big money earner in terms of profitability, but it is critical for the ongoing success of the company, because when people have high quality phones they are able to get better service, as well as access data and the Internet on their phone. For us it is about expanding our reach to customers and making sure that our customers have the best and most modern phones."

Mr Johnson said BTC had also hired additional staff to complement the roll-out. "We would have brought on quite a few new associates to work in the stores to increase the customer reach. We have seen a gain in employment numbers because of that," Mr Johnson said.

Regarding the issue of BTC store franchises for Bahamian entrepreneurs, Mr Johnson said: "We are still working through the key elements of that, but hopefully before the end of the year we would like to be in a position where we have our first sort of third-party partner, who would own and operate their own retail outlet for BTC."

BTC began its retail roll-out back in December with its flag ship store in the Mall at Marathon. The company has also launched outlets at Pioneer's Way and High Rock, Grand Bahama, George Town, Exuma, and Bay and George Streets.