Day four of Design Week Ja 2026 was cause for celebration as title sponsor Tile City & Home Centre marked the next chapter in its journey on Thursday, October 8, with the official unveiling of the signature showroom at its 114 Constant Spring Road location.

The new 10,000-square-foot showroom, which also features a 240-kW solar energy system, represents an investment of approximately $290 million.

Designed to serve homeowners, architects, interior designers, contractors, and developers, it showcases an expanded selection of tiles, surfaces, plumbing fixtures, and home finishing products.

Stakeholders converged at the venue to celebrate the landmark unveiling.

The occasion also marked the company’s 27th anniversary, making for a timely celebration.

Following a lively meet-andgreet as anticipation mounted over the unveiling, master of ceremonies Talia Soares Brown officially opened proceedings.

After welcoming guests, partner brand Portobello extended greetings through Export Sales Manager Fernanda Wilpert Salvaro, who lauded the Handal family’s perseverance, praising both their industry longevity and the ambitious vision behind the new showroom.

Tile City & Home Centre co-founder Jaleel Handal shared the inspiration for the showroom.

“This incredible store is a great example of what is possible with faith, hard work, and determination.

This is not just a new store; this is a new reference for all the Caribbean islands, and a true reflection of this family’s vision,” Salvaro expressed.

Do It Best International Territory Sales Manager Robert Baitel, who celebrated a 20-year partnership with the company, took the stage next, commending co-founders Jaleel and Guilda Handal for their vision in bringing the milestone project to fruition.

“Through the years, the partnership has grown into a close and lasting bond, and this store is a testament to the Handal family’s hard work, perseverance, and vision.

Guilda, Jaleel, you should be extremely proud of what you have achieved and the trust you have built with your customers, team, and partners,” Baitel said.

“We at Do It Best are excited to support you in this next chapter.

I look forward to new opportunities and continued growth together.” Strength of partnership was also emphasised by Tile and Stone International director Chris Hughes during his remarks.

He also highlighted the relationship with customers, their intuitive eye and belief in their partners.

“That’s why this evening is very special for me.

Because this launch is what happens when a company does what Tile City has done for the last 25, 26 years.

They interact with customers on an honest basis, they back up their partners, they have an eye for things that they move with instinctively, and they never settle for the ordinary,” Hughes said.

Congratulatory video messages then poured in from international partners Porcelanosa, Undefasa, and Cemix.

Cemix director Raul Bisogno noted that the achievement was a fitting way to mark two decades of partnership, after which a commemorative plaque was presented to the Handal family to mark the occasion.

With greetings from international partners concluded, co-founder Jaleel Handal took the podium.

Detailing the two-decade journey of the company, he expressed gratitude to his family, staff, and partners who have kept the vision alive.

“So many people have been part of this journey.

Many of you have been with us for years.

You have trusted us with your homes, businesses, projects, recommended us to others and continue to return,” Handal noted.

“We never take that trust for granted.

Without you, there would be no 27-year story to celebrate tonight.” “Tonight is not only about celebrating the past; it’s about embracing the future.

This new showroom represents the next chapter of our journey, a bold step forward, a promise to keep growing, innovating, and serving Jamaica with even greater passion,” Handel added.

“We want to create more than a place to display products.

We want an experience, a space where people can be inspired, discover new ideas, see beautiful materials in beautiful settings, and imagine what is possible in their own space.” Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill praised the $290-million expansion, describing it as a decisive vote of confidence in Jamaica’s economic future.

“That is a major investment by any measure.

More importantly, it is an investment made by a Jamaican family-owned business that we must have.

You want to wonder why Tile City has done this? I put it to you that Tile City has invested this money because it sees a future in Jamaica,” Hill said.

With speeches and tributes completed, the Handal family and Hill proceeded to cut the ribbon, officially opening the Showroom.

Guests were then invited to tour the expansive new venue, destined to serve as a vibrant hub of creative ideas for local designers.

Design Week Ja 2026 is powered by Tile City & Home Centre and Kohler, Hardware and Lumber, National Housing Trust, ARC Manufacturing Limited, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Spaces, S Hotel, Harbour Wines and Spirits, Angelie Spencer Home, Caledonia Outdoor Advertising Company, Berger Paints and Matahari Furniture.

The next conversation, courtesy of H&L Rapid True Value takes place today at 26 & 26A 10 Constant Spring Road, Lane Plaza.