GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby said Monday that the company’s new Hi-Lo store in Liguanea is not likely to be impacted by competition in the form of a new General Foods supermarket – representing twice the square footage of an older store on the same property – developed by partners in the Liguanea Plaza next door.

Wehby told the Jamaica Observer, “We expect that both locations, being recently renovated, will perform well. We will continue to focus on providing our customers with a great shopping experience.”

The store has been leased from its owners. It was previously occupied by the Empire supermarket chain. GK, he said, plans to spend in excess of $100 million to renovate the store.

The new store, which is adjacent to Lane Plaza, is slated to open in April 2016. The total square footage is approximately 33,700 sq ft.

Wehby told the Business Observer, “We believe that the location is a good one and that if we are consistent in delivering on our customer promise FS5 – fresh stores, full shelves, friendly smiles, frequent savings and fast service — our customers will enjoy a shopping experience that exceeds their expectations. If our customers are happy they will support us and we will succeed.”

The group CEO said that he expected the store to become profitable within the first 12 months of operation.

“Liguanea shoppers can expect to see new and expanded assortment, as well as new services at our Liguanea location,” Wehby stated. Liguanea will become Hi-Lo’s 13th store in the island.