Young businessman and Manager of AValue Supermarket and Merchandises Stores, Mr Deon M. Vanterpool, said the stores have been working very closely with Whirlpool to ship appliances directly from their factory in the United States to the Virgin Islands. This he said was an initiative taken on considering the state of the economy and recognizing his responsibility to the people as a corporate entity. Photo: VINO

The cheers and goodwill associated with the festive season are already ripe and in full swing at all AValue stores throughout the territory as its management has gone to the extreme to ensure that the current economic hardship does not prevent residents from enjoying the season. Photo: VINO

Already many persons have been rushing down to the AValue Supermarket and Merchandise Store in Huntums Ghut as word is out that there are special prices and lay-away plans on electrical appliances that have been shipped in directly from the producers of Whirlpool appliances. Photo: VINO

Washers on sale at AValue Supermarket and Merchandise Store in Huntums Ghut. Photo: VINO

Customers using the lay-away plan would be required to make a deposit of 25% of the cost for the item and pay off their balance within a three-month period. Photo: VINO

Already many persons have been rushing down to the AValue Supermarket and Merchandise Store in Huntums Ghut as word is out that there are special prices and lay-away plans on electrical appliances that have been shipped in directly from the producers of Whirlpool.

This was confirmed by the Manager of the chain of stores, Mr Deon M. Vanterpool, in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

With word out in the streets about the early Christmas deals, this news site visited the AValue store in Huntums where we were greeted by Mr Vanterpool who took some time out from signing up customers who were cashing in early on the special offers.

The young businessman said the store has been working very closely with Whirlpool to ship appliances straight from its factory in the United States to the Virgin Islands. This he said was an initiative taken on considering the state of the economy and recognising AValue's responsibility to the people as a corporate entity.

“It’s no third world dealings, its straight from the Whirlpool factory, washers, stoves, fridges and we have them at very good prices,” said Mr Vanterpool. He added that the partnership has easily eliminated the costs for travelling to St Thomas and having to face the costs for transportation and others that would be attached through that channel.

“You can come and get appliances by paying directly in the store or have a lay-away plan.”

Customers using the lay-away plan would be required to make a deposit of 25% of the cost for the item and pay off the balance within a three-month period.

“People have already started laying away on their appliances so come and get yours while you have time and while these items are in stock. If we don’t have something that you would like to have we will order it directly from the factory and bring it here for you.”

The payment plan is said to be a very flexible one with no extra fees attached. Customers are given the option of scheduling their payment for the three-month period.

With the appliances already on spot, customers can see their items as they enter the store and, according to Mr Vanterpool, the appliances are available in all dimensions to cater for a variety of needs.

Along with the AValue/Whirlpool package, customers will be given a one-year warranty on their purchased items. “This is one big reason for taking up this deal. If you go and shop in St Thomas and bring your stuff to the Virgin Islands you would not have a warranty,” he noted.

The offers are accessible at the AValue Supermarkets located in Huntums Ghut, Sea Cows Bay and East End.

AValue has been credited as one of the entities in the Virgin Islands that have been going up and beyond to promote ‘buy local’.

At a time when some farmers were complaining that they were not getting sufficient markets for their produce, the business entity had issued a challenge for the local farmers to supply more produce to meet the high demand on the market.

And now that the Christmas season is being ushered it, the call has been renewed for more local produce. Mr Vanterpool said the various AValue stores have already started to stock a unique spread of seasonal and no-seasonal produce.