Who knew new could look so good? was the theme chosen to celebrate a “new look” Courts in Castries. On Wednesday, Courts Saint Lucia, one of the leading retailers and hire purchase companies here, in furniture and home appliances, relaunched its main branch in Castries. With a brand new look, décor, space arrangement and wide variety of items, the Courts Castries refurbishment ceremony was held at the store itself. The event started off with an introduction by the evening’s MC and Courts OECS Marketing Director, Lorraine Sidonie, who then introduced the Castries Branch Manager Davis Felix. Felix joined the company in 1983 as a temporary sales clerk and was appointed Branch manager in 1998. Felix said Wednesday that she was honoured to be the manager of such a high tech and state of the art branch.

Mario Guerrero, Courts Caribbean CEO, spoke next and went through the paces of the development and growth of Courts from a UK subsidiary to being wholly owned by Regal Forest Holdings.

“Courts is no stranger to the Caribbean and has been a part of this region now for 28 years, and has been adding value to the lives of our customers every day,” Guerrero said. He also informed the audience that Courts now operates not just in the Caribbean but in the US, with 90 stores operating as Courts in the Caribbean and the fourth largest being in Saint Lucia.

“The refurbishment of stores in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent shows our commitment to Saint Lucia and the OECS in general,” Guerrero stated.

Special invited guest Stephenson King, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, in his address said that many wondered what the market in the furniture and appliance business would be like here in 1981.

“The entry of Courts brought about the revolution in furniture and appliances and allowed persons to exercise that freedom of choice,” King said. He went on to congratulate Courts on their expansion and new development. He noted the growth from one store to several stores throughout the island.

The final speaker was Courts’ OECS Regional Director, Malcolm Burns. The well known gentleman joined Courts Saint Lucia in 1985 until 1994. He rejoined them in 2002.

Burns spoke proudly of the Courts journey and its employees whom he thanked and praised for their hard work and dedication. He also spoke of the hard work which went into getting the refurbishment work completed on time, nine weeks ahead of the busy Christmas season.

There was then the blessing of the building by Pastor Sherwin Griffith and the cutting of the ribbon by the Prime Minister.

Following the vote of thanks, invited guests and the media were given a tour of the new look Courts, followed by a celebration of food and drinks and tokens of appreciation. Courts Saint Lucia opened its doors in Castries to the public in July 1981 with a compliment of 21 members of staff. Today, with stores in Castries, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort and Soufriere the company employs more than 200 people.