Sunup 24-hour supermarkets a boon to customers

by L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

The round-the-clock supermarket experiment introduced by Laugfs Sunup supermarkets has been successful. For the first time in Sri Lanka consumers are being offered a variety of services under one roof throughout the year.

The latest and 10th "Sunup" was inaugurated recently in Maharagama. It consists of a Jade restaurant, fuel and gas station, supermarket and a secure basement carpark.

Explaining "Sunup" supermarket's success, the chairman of Laugfs Holdings W.K.H. Wegapitiya said, during the last couple of years the "Sunup" supermarkets chain penetrated the Sri Lankan market.

"When it comes to convenient shopping for a greater product range in the modern consumer business "Sunup" supermarkets stand out. Consumers shop at ease assisted by a courteous and caring staff," the chairman said.

"Sunup" is the only 24-hour supermarket in the country. The concept of a 24-hour supermarket was a boon to the public and became an instant hit with the perpetually busy people for whom the day is not long enough".

According to the chairman, two more "Sunup" supermarkets will be opened in the near future. The "Sunup" chain is growing slowly but steadily. "Sunup" is gradually moving out from the hustle and bustle of township to afford the consumer a hassle free shopping experience, he said. "Sunup" is the supermarket wing of Laugfs Holdings which has spread its wings to the important sectors of the economy.

In 1995 it entered the business as an LP gas supplier and a vehicle converter from fuel to gas. Competing with multinational gas company, Laugfs Lanka Gas has shown a phenomenal growth record in sales and expansion. As the firstborn in the Laugfs family Gas Auto Lanka was renamed as Laugfs Holdings Limited in 2005. It is now the umbrella for 15 companies with a growing staff strength of more than nine-hundred. The total revenue last year was Rs. 3,710 million.

According to the Chairman, Jade restaurants are housed in the upper floors of the supermarkets. The supermarket and restaurant link will benefit both partners and create greater customer participation, satisfaction and closer association with the "Sunup" chain.

"We have come a long way during the last decade. This has been possible due to teamwork, ability to identify above average opportunities and making a concerted effort to realise them. Our exceptional growth rests on four pillars, Dedication, Innovation, Focus and Dynamism, the chairman said.