Convenience the ABC store way

ABC, the popular Hawaii-based convenience store chain, today unveils its second outlet on Saipan with the opening of its 3,500-square-foot store along Beach Road, Garapan.

ABC Store No. 61 is strategically situated on the ground floor of a spanking new building just across Duty Free Shoppers Galleria and is open from 8am to 1pm, according to store manager Darryl Chun.

“We want to make it convenient for tourists to get their vacation needs. That’s why we opened a second store at the busiest stretch of road on Saipan,” Mr Chun reiterated.

ABC’s Beach Road outlet, much like other ABC stores in Hawaii, Guam and its first Saipan store in Misa Building II, also sells an array of custom-designed souvenir items that range from t-shirts, shorts, socks, footwear, sunglasses, bags, caps and lighters.

All custom-designed souvenir items have the distinct and popular ABC logo emblazoned on them. And because the store is located in Saipan, all products have the island’s name below the ABC insignia to conveniently remind tourist were they bought it from, and most importantly, where they spent their vacation.

“Our souvenir t-shirts seem to be the most popular of our items. A combination of affordability, some sell as low as $9, and good quality has made it a best-seller in all our stores,” ABC Stores-Hawaii Buyer Miles Oda said.

Of course, all tourists love to remember where they had their vacation and the t-shirts serve that purpose very well, Mr. Oda added.

Souvenir apparel and accessories are not the only items on sale at ABC’s Beach Road store. Snacks of all types, brands and sizes can be bought there, as well as all beverages, alcoholic or otherwise.

Aside from the usual items, ABC Store’s Beach Road outlet also carry some items specially for the local community. The store sells such CNMI favorites as hot pepper, pickled papaya and assorted Saipan cookies, said Mr. Chun.

ABC Stores-Guam Inc., District Manager Aaron Gandaoli volunteered, “Now tourists and locals alike have a one-stop store they could run to just before going to the beach. If they need toothpaste, slippers, snack and anything under the sun, they can always get them at ABC.”

The ABC chain of convenience stores was founded by Sidney and Minnie Kososa in 1965 when they opened its very first outlet on Waikiki Beach. From an initial inventory that included stocked grocery, souvenirs, drugs and cosmetics, ABC has grown to carry anything a tourist would need.

True to its slogan, ABC is really making vacations a bit more enjoyable.