By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
ON Wednesday, Dec. 31, the ABC Stores branch at Paseo de Marianas temporarily closed its doors amid weak tourist arrivals and a slowing CNMI economy.
Staffers told Variety that the closure affects only the Paseo location. They said the ABC Stores at the KASE Building on Beach Road in Garapan will remain open and continue normal operations.
Opened in 1998, the Paseo branch began operating during a period when the CNMI welcomed more than 526,000 visitors that year, driven largely by arrivals from Japan, followed by South Korea, with smaller numbers from the U.S., Guam and other Asian markets.
At its peak, the store served steady foot traffic through the pedestrian mall, offering convenience items, snacks, beverages, travel essentials, beach gear, health and beauty products, apparel and a wide range of souvenirs geared toward tourists.
Employees said the sustained drop in foot traffic — tied to reduced flights, weakened regional demand and the CNMI’s broader economic challenges — has made operations increasingly difficult for businesses in Garapan’s core commercial district.
Several retail shops and restaurants have scaled back hours or closed in recent months as the CNMI government works to stabilize revenues and attract new markets. ABC Stores has not announced a timeline for reopening the Paseo location but indicated that the closure is temporary and will be reassessed as economic conditions improve.
In a statement on Jan. 3, John Mark Mageo, ABS Stores employee relations and government affairs manager, said they appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during the transition. “We look forward to serving the Paseo De Marianas area again in the future,” Mageo said.
The company emphasized that its Garapan store on Beach Road will remain open and continue serving customers. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the Beach Road location for their retail needs.
ABC Stores also expressed gratitude to the Paseo De Marianas community for its support. “Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ and Mahalo,” Mageo added.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
