Do It Center Dominica

growth engine, but we had to bring it on faster than expected because of the pandemic. We just fast-tracked launching of the online store.” The company worked with software provider Epicor, using their online store feature to make the quick transition easier. With the construction sector booming, Do It Center has been fortunate to have remained busy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardware stores were deemed essential on the island, so adaptions were made to the in-store shopping experience; adding sanitizing stations and hiring additional staff to manage the flow and distancing of customers. Esprit acknowledges that things have changed on the operational side, especially with products such as lumber and steel arriving from the U.S. She notes, “Our lead times have become longer, so now we must plan a lot further ahead. We have been challenged with a continuous rise in the price of commodities-only markets. Lumber, plywood and steel has been consistently increasing. That has been a challenge for us.” A company loyalty program was recently introduced, offering incentives to create return customers, an endeavor which Esprit believes will be a success. She explains, “The customer will accumulate points for every dollar spent and they can redeem points after they have a DO I T CENTER DOMINI CA certain amount. We are hoping the customers will respond. To be quite honest, Do It Center is the preferred hardware store on the island right now and it is because we offer such a wide range of hardware products. We anticipate a good response to the loyalty program.” Along with the introduction of the hurricane- rated windows, Do It Center has also increased their tile offerings, adding more selection and a variety of sizes and styles. These complement the already extensive product selection, which includes everything from paint, to building supplies, to housewares. “Despite the pandemic, we are still trying to stay within the strategy that we have developed, our plan for the future and the growth of the company,” says Esprit. “We have the challenges of procurement, like I said, but we are still trying to bring in new products.” Part of that growth plan includes opening a second Do It Center location in the future. With both residential and commercial projects happening across Dominica, Do It Center enjoys a mixed customer base, with 70 percent contractors, and 30 percent homeowners and DIYers. “We have a lot of commercial work happening because of our Citizenship by Investment program – a lot of home construction is also taking place with that government program,” conveys Esprit. Citizenship