Two decades ago the Loshusans created waves not just in Kingston but throughout Jamaica when they opened a supermarket at Sovereign Centre that boasted wide aisles and shelves packed with the type of eye candy available in Florida and London.

There was too, eye-level merchandising, late-night shopping and wonderful bright lights. It was all ‘pretty revolutionary’, and shoppers were understandably in retail bliss. There was more however, like the courteous packers who when it rained opened extra-wide umbrellas that prevented shoppers from feeling even the slightest bit of raindrop. Tips (thankfully) tripled. Barbican Centre followed some years later with understandably not as much frisson – I mean shoppers had become used to the quality experience by now, although the Haagen Dazs boutique did afford amazing sweet treats – shoppers however remained impressed and fully embraced yet another Loshusan outlet.

For almost two weeks now in a space purchased in 2002 and once rented to C&W, the Loshusans are once again generating the same kind of buzz they did 20 years ago. The JS$ vs the US$ might not have been as weak as it is today but it was certainly on the decline and persons were both sceptical and wary. “Persons have expressed concern about the recession,” states Sharon Loshusan last Tuesday morning in between telephone calls, greeting customers and workmen, “but these plans were long on the table and we believe that if you can make it in good times, you can certainly make it in the bad”.

It’s a sound philosophy but not one without effective systems and procedures in place to ensure the viability of the currently in use 55 square feet (there’s a total of 70 square feet) that boasts parking for 377 cars and 24-hour Hawkeye security. There is clear reason for optimism, for with figures gleaned from the astute marketing manager Claudine Coley Thursday Food discovers that 12,500 persons have already selected a large trolley, enjoyed the spacious eight-feet-wide aisle space (there are 15 aisles), utilised the services of one of the 12 cash registers and spent on average $5,000.

Yet another strategy has been the discount on the third item, the Michi Basics Value Wall.

How Club Michi Works

Club Michi is a reward programme designed to give value with savings on groceries and incredible household items.

Earn Points Every Day

. Every $1 spent (before taxes)

= 1 Michi point

. 30,000 points = valued discount

on your shopping

. More points = more savings

plus greater rewards

Michi Rewards

. Access only to Club Michi cardholders

. Buy 2 items pay less on

the 3rd item; the more you

buy the more you save

. Mix and match: same products + different flavours = Saving

Special reward coupons

Wagga Wagga Day: affords groceries to the lucky person at the cashier when the bell rings.

Who’s shopping at Michi?

Michi has piqued the interest of many and has since its opening attracted shoppers from near and far. “That’s fine,” states Loshusan. “It’s exactly what we want, we’re open for all shoppers. the name Michi means one’s balance of good living (mi is a local term used to refer to oneself and chi: Chinese balance of positive and negative forms in the body held to be essential to good health). we’re only 10 minutes from Manor Park.” Thursday Food soon discovers that it’s no idle boast. Shoppers Kevin Freckleton and Glenise Durrant (she’s a finance manager at Diageo and he’s an auto mechanic) live at Hellshire Heights; Holy Trinity Anglican Church footballer Basil Jackson lives in Old Harbour as do Elaine Matthews, her daughter Sophia Bedward and granddaughter Chelsea Hamilton; Gladys Handal lives in Barbican; Jacque Parchment lives in Liguanea; and Hope Watson is from Red Hills.

With no exception all the shoppers were in search of “better prices”, were impressed with the spacious environment, the cleanliness and the wide choice of items available. Michi’s construction might have taken a year but the marketing strategy took considerably longer and continues to be a work in progress. “We tend to pay in Jamaica,” states Michi marketing manager Claudine Coley, “scant regard for our consumers – it’s a ‘take it or leave it’ type of approach that leaves the majority of us totally nonchalant towards many establishments. Our supercentre has been well-thought-out from the electrical wheelchairs for the disabled to our cosmetics counter where the staff are not just on spot to collect payment but can guide you intelligently through your purchase and are able to throw in a makeover too. We plan to have a nurse at our chidren’s corner and on-the-spot dog trainers and groomers for our Pet City. The staff inside the Elizabeth Ewart-designed interior wine shop are versed in wine and as such can influence the purchase of a bottle of wine.” The well-stocked décor section has already started to attract top event specialists like Maureen Capleton of MC Décor and Sharon Bair of Main Events.

“When our customers complete the Club Michi membership form we are immediately afforded yet another opportunity to better serve them. Why? Because together with our suppliers we’re able to tap into their needs.we would know who to advise about Wallenford Blue Mountain coffee versus bathroom supplies, for example”.

There’s a lot to look forward to as the Michi team continues to pack shelves and listen to the needs of their customers. Fact is, they’ve been listening for years.