THE owner of The Outlet – a new store in St John described as a Jersey version of Costco, The Range and Home Bargains combined – has said he was delighted by the response to its opening on Saturday.
Clive Broadhead told the JEP that he had received an overwhelmingly positive response on its inaugural day of trading. He said hundreds of Islanders had flocked to the 12,000sq-ft store at St John’s Retail Park, with many customers saying that it was just what the area needed.
“There was a lot more people than I was expecting, so we’ve got off to a very good start,” said Mr Broadhead, who also owns La Casa and St John’s Sofa Warehouse at the former B&Q site at the northern end of St John’s Main Road.
“The comments I received included praise for the range, convenience and prices, which we’ve tried our best to keep as low as possible. I’m always keen to hear feedback so anyone can come to the store to share their thoughts.
“That includes people suggested where we can source new products.”
Some comments on social media noted that not every item was priced but Mr Broadhead said that two people were assigned to pricing and were doing all they could to keep up with both demand and supply.
“We have 35 pallets at the Harbour waiting to be delivered, all with new stock,” he said. “We won’t be able to replenish the shelves during the day so we will have to restock at night.
“That will include car care products, more gardenware, cookware, cleaning products and more electrical equipment.”
One customer visiting the store on Saturday was Deputy Samantha Gleave, who was part of the Value Jersey ‘movement’ during the election, which campaigned heavily for a low-cost supermarket, such as Aldi or Lidl, to be allowed to set up in Jersey.
She posted on social media: “Great to see how busy The Outlet was on its first day of trading, with a constant stream of Islanders hoping to see what the new low-cost retailer has to offer.”
She added: “Hats off to Clive for bringing this concept to Jersey, and to his staff for managing such a hectic first day with such professionalism and humour.
“But this is only the start. Jersey still desperately needs more low-cost retailers, particularly in food, to give Islanders greater choice and help bring down the cost of living.”
