State Trading Organisation (STO) has stated that it plans to expand the People’s Choice Supermart and allow small businesses to operate at the premises.
STO revamped its supermarket in March with many different brands and businesses brought in to sell their goods at the supermarket. As such, businesses such as New Edition, City Investments, Madiha Company, Asrafee Bookshop, Poise, Maxcom, Marathon Maldives and Peekaboo are selling goods and providing services at STO People’s Choice.
Managing Director Hussain Amr said that new floors are being added at People’s Choice due to the increase in demand from businesses that wish to lease sections of the supermarket. He said that more businesses are realising the profitability in selling their products at the supermarket and that STO is currently in discussions to provide interested companies in establishing their businesses at the permises. He added that a new floor will be opened with major renovations in the building’s interior to fulfill the government’s aim of providing more opportunities for small businesses.
STO is undertaking several efforts to provide essential items to the public at cheap and consistent prices. In March, STO opened a new department store to upgrade the services provided by the STO People’s Choice Supermarket and made the decision to open the supermarket on Fridays due to increased demand.