GraceKennedy (GK) Group is renovating three Hi-Lo Food Stores as part of an investment it says is geared towards improving the customer experience.

While noting that the Jamaican supermarket chain “delivered steady growth in revenue” in its recent half-year results for 2024, GK Group also shared that renovations are now underway at its Spanish Town, Manor Park, and The University of the West Indies stores.

“Renovations at Hi-Lo Church Street in Montego Bay are on track to begin by year-end,” the report also said.

Responding to a media enquiry from Our Today, Suzanne Nam, head of corporate communications, GK Group said the entity has already renovated Hi-Lo Food Stores in Barbican and Cross Roads in St Andrew; Portmore, St Catherine; and Fairview, Montego Bay.

Most Hi-Lo Food Stores offer Western Union or Bill Express services, or GK Money Services kiosks.

Improving the customer experience

GK explained that the renovations have significantly improved the customer experience as reflected in their feedback.

“The refreshed and modernised store environments significantly enhance the customer experience. By incorporating new equipment, optimised layouts, and expanded offerings like in-store bakeries, delis, and juice bars, we aim to create spaces that please our customers,” Suzanne Nam, head of corporate communications, GK Group informed Our Today in an e-mail response.

“Their enthusiasm for these renovations is always clearly reflected in their eagerness to explore each ‘new’ store, and the positive feedback we receive,” she continued.

Pointing out that “specific budgetary figures cannot be released at this time”, Nam shared that it is “investing significantly in store renovations” to improve the customer experience.

Looking ahead, the manufacturing, distribution and financial services conglomerate disclosed that it has a schedule of store renovations going into 2025 in keeping with its commitment to improve the customer experience.

“Aligned with our long-term vision, we are also strategically expanding our footprint across Jamaica with new store openings planned through 2030,” Nam said.