According to the proprietor of the small business, Ms. Shirleta Maynard, the objectives of the celebrations are designed to express thanks and appreciation to the customers, while also helping to maintain customer loyalty. The company, said Maynard, is equally hoping to target new customers, encouraging them to become regular clients.
She said the activities will run throughout the entire month of July and will incorporate events such as raffles and lucky dips, from which customers are able to win free gifts, such as DVDs, vacuum cleaners, gas vouchers, drinks, car accessories and other items.
Raffles will be drawn every Wednesday and Saturday, said the proprietor, and prizes will be presented on site to the successful customers, who are required to have made purchases above $50 to qualify.
She said that since the start of the enterprise in June 2009, it has been quite challenging, especially given the current economic conditions, but there have also been very bright and encouraging spots that have surfaced, from time to time.
Like most small businesses however, one of the key challenges relates to the task of building the relevant human capital to help the enterprise thrive and grow, at the required pace for profitability.
To address this, staff training is under consideration to assist in achieving excellence in customer relations and meeting the needs of all clients, to such levels of satisfaction that the company produces a large pool of repeat customers. A key lesson leant since in business, said Maynard, relates to the critical importance of always giving the best customers service, to all clients, no matter who they are.
She said that much importance is being attached to training and building or strengthening the human capacity, and as manager/owner, she herself has been undertaking training and just recently completed a three day course in strategic planning.
Another challenge that is beyond the means of the company to resolve, however, is related to the difficulty faced by some motorists, in easily accessing the station, because of its close proximity to the main road intersection of the busy routes of Fort Street, Cayon Street and Victoria Road, especially during the peak hours.
To address this, the staff has had to be constantly managing the flow of traffic into the area, to ensure that there is a constant and uninterrupted flow of vehicles.
The ever changing, (mostly rising) gas prices, have also posed quite a challenge for the business, admitted Maynard.
Meanwhile Wednesday, 6th July was celebrated as Customer Appreciation Day, with all qualified customers receiving free snacks and gifts with their purchases.