According to Kaushal Tappoo, Executive Director for Fiji travel retailer, Tappoo Duty Free, sales at its Lautoka Premium mall – which initially opened on 30 March – have exceeded expectations ‘for all tenants’ in the first few months of trading.

“We have been delighted with the initial months’ trading,” Kaushal Tappoo told TRBusiness. “Sales have been above expectation for all tenants, and for our Tappoo department store, and our Tappoo Home & Leisure stores, sales have been above budget.”

As reported by TRBusiness, the 86,000sq ft TappooCity Lautoka Premium mall opened on 30 March, initially with the Tappoo Department store, Tappoo Home & Leisure, Gloria Jeans, and Life Cinemas in operation.

The new complex is designed to appeal to both the local catchment area comprising 50,000 locals, as well as the fast growing number of cruise passengers and tourists who can also benefit from duty free status at the new outlet.

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FROM CUSTOMERS AND LOCALS

Foodcourt tenancies opened between April and June, featuring gourmet pizza, Indian, Chinese, Western and Mediterranean cuisine options, along with snacks and ‘much more’.

Most specialty retail tenants have also now opened their doors, but an upmarket supermarket is still yet to open. It is nearing fit out completion and should open by end August, says Kaushal.

“We have been encouraged by customers thanking us for investing in Lautoka,” he adds.

“Customers have been saying Lautoka really needed development of such magnitude, and have repeatedly thanked us. Youngsters are using TappooCity Lautoka as their hangout as we have featured cinemas, Gloria Jeans, and a tastefully-done foodcourt.”