Businessman Ian Ramdeo and his family on Thursday morning launched their spanking new hybrid store at the Amazonia Mall. MVP Sports and Urban Life will operate out of one location at the newly-constructed Providence, East Bank Demerara, shopping complex.
Prior to his daughter performing the symbolic ribbon-cutting, Ramdeo said Guyanese will continue to experience the same great standard that has been the hallmark of the MVP Sports and Urban Life outlets at the Giftland Mall.
“We will continue to strive to improve the standards of our service to our customers and community through continued support of our talented athletes through the fitness ambassador programme at MVP Sports, and this year my wife Crystal will be launching a few community initiatives via Urban Life, including scholarship programme,” Ramdeo highlighted during brief remarks at the media launch.
The entrepreneur reflected that his family ventured into Urban Life just over three years ago, after seeing “the need for reliable and continuous lines of quality men’s wear”, ranging from Perry Ellis, Timberland, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and others.
A year later, MVP Sports was opened to the public, supplying quality men and women sports apparel and shoes. Just this month, the company became the sole authorised retailer for the global brand Nike, to complement its existing line Under Armour, Puma and Skechers.
“We always toyed with the idea of opening branches of our existing flagship stores somewhere on the East Bank for our customers’ convenience, especially given the increased traffic congestion and time to travel from this side of town to our current locations. When we heard about Amazonia mall opening, we toyed with the idea for a while, but unfortunately by the time we contacted Amazonia, there was only one space remaining- the one behind me here,” Ramdeo explained as he addressed special invitees outside the store.
Given that MVP Sports and Urban Life have uniquely different looks, the challenge was on deciding which outlet to occupy the Amazonia Mall spot. After much consideration, it was decided a hybrid store was the most feasible option.
“What we decided, given the limited space, the hybrid store would be kind of a like an express store. What we would do is tailor the products in this location to suit the demands,” Ramdeo stated.
Currently, the businesses only deliver within Guyana, however, plans are in train to partner with DHL to expand those services.
In terms of support for local athletes, Ramdeo indicated that MVP Sports will continue to play its part in the development of sportsmen and women, as sport it is a personal passion of his.
“We have very talented athletes in Guyana. Unfortunately, sometimes they don’t get the support and resources needed to be able to compete at the international level,” Ramdeo said.
That support is something the businessman is looking to consistently put forward, noting that he is looking to extend that programme in the coming years.
The Amazonia Mall will soon be open to the public.
