Susan Gordon, Business Reporter

Watts New Limited, a growing electronics and computer software business owned by Trevor Randle, is building new stores in Kingston and later this year, other parishes.

After launching into the market seven years ago, the operators of Watts New will add its first new 3,000 square feet store to the existing operation at Tropical Plaza Half-Way Tree by the end of this week.

The new store will sit adjacent to the entertainment venue, Waterfalls in Liguanea, Kingston. Randle, also owns Waterfalls and the property on which it sits, having acquired the real estate four years ago.

The venue sees little pedestrian traffic, unlike Tropical Plaza, but Randle told Wednesday Business that the new Liguanea store will be stocked with the usual gadgets and cater to retail clienteles, but the business will be targeted mainly, though not exclusively, at corporate clientele, a segment he defined as an area with growth potential.

"We have mostly computers and that's where the business is from," said Randle. "I realised there's a market for that and I intend to place sales person strategically to go after it."

He has already identified a location in Ocho Rios where his next store of similar size will be established this year, while his real estate search continues in Montego Bay.

Boost business

Although he declined to comment on the size of the investments, Randle said he expected the expansion to boost business initially by 80 per cent.

The store retails digital equipment, computer software and video games. However, Randle said the change in people's taste from heavy sound systems in their vehicles and CDs to iPods is an indication that digital and computer-related products are the new areas of demand.

The Ocho Rios branch to be operated at the Little Pub Complex on Main Street, Ocho Rios, is geared for retail business. The new stores will employ 14-16 persons. The Tropical Plaza store employs eight.

Asked about his sales revenues, Randle said the business was "profitable" but would not disclose any figures.

susan.gordon@gleanerjm.com