The State Trading Organization (STO) celebrated the first anniversary of the hypermarket concept of STO People’s Choice; its largest retail outlet, on 15th March 2023.
STO closed its People’s Choice supermarket for renovations and reopened under the hypermarket concept on 15th March 2022. Under the hypermarket concept, STO allowed a large number of local retailers to prop up their stalls within the market to showcase and retail their respective products.
The hypermarket concept proved popular among local retailers since it was advantageous for lesser-known retailers to sell their products under the same roof as one of the largest and most established retailers in the Maldives.
Following the immense success of the concept, many other retailers have expressed interest to join STO People’s Choice’s hypermarket venue. STO is currently renovating the first floor of the STO Trade Center, where the hypermarket is located, to host more retail and wholesale businesses.
STO is also currently working on introducing a food and beverages dedicated rack inside the mall. The largest trade organization in the country is also working on facilitating homegrown products inside the mall free of charge.
Activities held to commemorate the Anniversary
- Customers making purchases of MVR 500 and above received lucky-draw coupons; winners will receive MVR 5,000 gift vouchers
- A Share and Win Promotion was launched via STO’s Facebook and Instagram handles
- Besides the Ramadan Bazaar, STO introduced a special promotion from 16th to 22nd March with discounts on products available at STO People’s Choice
- Conferring gifts and tasting sessions
- 10 customers received surprise gifts at random as part of the anniversary celebration
