IT giant HP opens first store in Jamaica
Published:Friday | September 17, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Dionne Rose, Business Reporter
The world largest information technology (IT) company, Hewlett Packard (HP) has partnered with a local retailer of computer parts and accessories, Royale Computers and Accessories, to open the first HP store in Jamaica.
Pedro Cheng, territory manager and sales specialist for the Caribbean, said the partnership would see consumers getting the latest technology or equipment that HP puts out.
"This store will allow consumers to know and experience the latest technology. The difference between this store and the other stores is that it is required to put out the most advanced and latest HP products, so Jamaica can feel and see the latest that exists in any other stores in Europe and the United States," said Cheng at the official opening of the store at Tropical Plaza on Constant Spring Road in Kingston on Wednesday evening.
Cheng said the establishment of the HP store in Jamaica forms part of an expansion plan for the Caribbean where, he said, some 10 stores would be established. The first two were opened in Dominican Republic and Curacao, with Jamaica being the first in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Cheng said Jamaica was selected to be part of the 10 because of the size of the population.
"Jamaica, because of several reasons - it's a bigger market, almost three million people; it is bigger than other islands, so we go where the market is," he said.
Cheng said the investments represents between US$250,000 to US$300,000, which includes inventory and marketing. While HP has some 100 dealers, the HP store will provide more variety, he noted.
"The dealer doesn't carry everything, but HP store is design to (showcase) every product from HP - from the big servers to the professional notebook to everything," said Cheng.
New experience
Jack Khemlani, head of Royale Computers and Accessories, said the investment would create between 15 to 20 new jobs. Khemlani said HP would help to build brand awareness in Jamaica .
"We are providing a new experience, you can come in and test the unit. You test everything before you buy it," Khemlani told the Financial Gleaner.
Royale Computers and Accessories, which has been around since 2001, has two retail stores in Kingston and Spanish Town. Khemlani said the company has been in partnership with HP for the last three years.
"They chose us for the partnership because we have a good retail presence," he said of the partnership with HP.
"This partnership with HP is a commitment to the public, it will be opening doors to a world of new technology, making computers personal again," said Khemlani.
The 900-square-feet store located in Tropical Plaza at Shop No.2, will sell personal computers, software, and printers. It will also provide IT services and infrastructure.