While debate continues to burn over a campaign for English sign bylaws to rule over pockets of Chinese business resistance, a supermarket chain has pulled off a cross-cultural culinary coup.
Many businesses across the city display dual language signage usually English and Chinese, in varying proportions depending on what community youre in.
Few, if any, however, can boast being able to cater in almost every way possible to both the Asian and English-speaking communities under one roof.
The result of PriceSmarts transformation 16 months ago at their Ackroyd Road store has resulted most days in parking lot overload, such is the success of the initiative.
Half of the store is dedicated entirely to Asian products and half Western, with the neutrality of fruit and vegetables a no mans land down the middle.
The signage on the outside half English and Chinese reflects what shoppers see inside.
And according to Darrell Jones president of PriceSmarts owner, the B.C.-founded Overwaitea Food Group the store is the only one of its kind in North America.
Were quite unique in we have a complete grocery mix, said Jones.
Its been extremely successful and the customers seem to be embracing it.
Weve been in business for 98/99 years and if youre going to be successful, youd better understand your community.
Explaining the decision to flip half of its store over to an Asian theme, Jones said it was vital to take a look at the demographics, to better know what the community is looking for.
The non-Chinese-speaking customers were taken aback at first, Jones revealed, before they started to realize the benefits.
Initially, I think it was a bit of a surprise, but I think we found that our customers remained loyal to us, he said.
I think they realized there were lots of meal solutions on the other side.
Becoming bilingual inside and out has come at a cost, which, for business reasons, Jones wasnt willing to divulge.
He said, however, the investment has been more than worthwhile and theyre starting to see the benefits in catering to two different worlds under one roof.
