Saipan Tribune

Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday, January 25, 2013

VS Sablan hosts Sunday Bazaar

Shoppers looking for bargain deals on brand new and used items alike are in for a treat at VS Sablan Plaza in Chalan Piao, home to Saipan's first ever Sunday Bazaar.

Since December, plaza tenants have been putting their items on display at the building's entrance, enticing customers to check out their merchandise ranging from apparel and accessories to houseware and toiletries sold at affordable prices.

Ben Sablan, general manager for VS Sablan Plaza, said the idea for the bazaar was developed in time for the holiday season-the busiest time for shoppers who are on a hunt for gift items that are easy on the budget.

“Given our bad economy, we want people to know that we do have a Sunday bazaar on island where they can buy merchandise at convenient prices. We also want our tenants to have an opportunity to better promote their products and the plaza as a whole,” he said in an interview.

According to Sablan, community members were surprised to know that there are tenants at VS Sablan Plaza which had undergone major renovation two years ago and has been accommodating small-scale businesses since then.

Nowadays, more and more people are getting familiarized with the Sunday bazaar and have been coming back for a dose of retail therapy, he added.

Sablan said they presently have five tenants in the building, most of whom have been doing business on island for years.

Morning Glory, renowned for its customized decals and stickers since 1997, moved to the plaza in April 2012 from its previous location in Chalan Laulau, said representative Connie De Guzman.

“We have many local customers who don't know that we've been on this location for almost a year,” De Guzman said, adding that their company also accepts orders for party giveaways.

Another tenant, KRM General Merchandise, is also making a splash at their location for their most popular product, Quantum magnetic jewelry, worn by renowned actors and other famous personalities for its therapeutic benefits.

KRM staffer Haydee Basbas said they have everything from magnetic necklaces and bracelets to watches and rings that are stylish and, at the same time, help improve one's general health.

“Our customers of all nationalities come to buy Quantum magnetic jewelry at our stall here at VS Sablan Plaza where we've been staying for a year now,” said Basbas.

KRM General Merchandise and Morning Glory share space in one stall at the plaza, enabling both companies to reduce their operational expenses-a growing trend among existing tenants that Sablan said they can accommodate to help businesses survive in these trying times.

“We are open to this option because of the state of our island economy. Prospective tenants tell us that they want to find a partner to share with the rental and utility expenses and that's fine. We are making it available with mutual understanding from all parties concerned,” he added.

Sablan said that employees and customers from nearby establishments occasionally head over to the plaza looking for an ice cream parlor or a coffee shop, inspiring them to reserve the building's front stall or Unit#G2, which has a built-in restroom, for such types of business.

Visit VS Sablan Plaza for its Sunday Bazaar, which is open from 8am to noon. The building still has available space for rent. For inquiries, call 234-2585 or 235-9020 from Monday to Friday, Tony Muna at 888-9290 or Sablan at 898-2454.