Star Sands Plaza changed management in August last year but they haven’t had a grand opening yet.
The 16,000-square foot store has just been expanded to accommodate more sections, says Alex Youn, president of AC Pacific LLC doing business as Star Sands Plaza.
Conveniently located along Garapan road a few paces from DFS Galleria, Youn said sales have been picking up despite the global economic crisis.
“While others are losing hope and closing shop, we are doing the opposite and has expanded our store to serve our customers,” Youn said.
Destination shop
Focusing on value merchandise at lower prices, Youn said that the Star Sands Plaza features the island’s widest selection of fashion, souvenirs and gift items.
“We carry three basic items under one package that tourists and locals would look for,” Youn said.
Star Stands Plaza prides itself on being the biggest and only store with a complete line of “Saipan brand” items on island. The store carries a complete selection of souvenir items from small key chains, jewelry pieces, and mugs up to clothes to gigantic posters depicting the beauty of CNMI’s tourist attractions.
Youn added the store carries the famous “I love Saipan,” “I love Tinian” and “I love Rota” brands in the store.
Star Sands Plaza customers are assured of the lowest prices because the stocks come straight from the manufacturers.
“We get our merchandise direct from the manufacturer and we do not commission any middlemen. We can therefore transfer our savings directly to the customers instead of marking up the price of the merchandise,” Youn said.
EverBlue Factory outlet
Star Sands Plaza once again brings the EverBlue brand of ladies clothing to Saipan.
Youn said that the EverBlue brand used to have an outlet at the La Fiesta Mall in Tanapag when it was still in operation.
“Our customers can shop any day of the year at the same prices instead of going to any of the over 100 EverBlue outlets in the continental U.S., Guam, Hawaii and other areas because we bring Everblue to them,” Youn said.
The EverBlue Factory Outlet occupies over 4,000 square feet or more than a quarter of the total store area.
Café shop,local entertainment
Stars and Sands Plaza has a coffee bar inside the store where customers can sip coffee or munch on snacks. Browse the internet using the shop’s free Wi-Fi connection as you sip a cup of your favorite Espresso.
An outdoor café with quaint tables and chairs is also available for customers who want to get a whiff of fresh air.
Star and Sands Plaza hired three local bands to perform alternately outside the store from 7 to 10:30 p.m. every day.
Local fruits and local produce such as fresh coconut juice is available on an attractive cart outside the store each night
Adding attraction to the store is the huge “I love Saipan” sign outside the store which continually draws tourists to use as a backdrop and landmark in picture taking.
“When tourists go home, the photos they took will advertise Saipan to wherever country they come from and that will promote tourism,” Youn said.
Stars and Sands Plaza has ample parking space at the rooftop of the store. It can accommodate 45 vehicles at one time. The store opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m.
