Pennywise Cosmetics Limited has expanded its product offering to include a wide range of pharmaceuticals. With the opening of its second in-store pharmacy yesterday, the company is now promising competitively priced pharmaceuticals to its customers at Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain. The first in-store Pennywise Pharmacy opened at the retailer's Trincity Mall branch two weeks ago.
Nari Nagassar, manager of the Port-of-Spain store, said sourcing pharmaceuticals from local suppliers helps to keep costs down. He said Pennywise is a strong brand with equally strong recognition and he is anticipating a very busy Christmas shopping season.
"In terms of volume of people coming into Pennywise, we are accustomed to dealing with crowd, with large amounts of people and we understand crowds and crowd control," he said.
As with all businesses, there are factors in its external environment which are out of its control. One factor is crime which he said, was not a deterrent for doing business even though the store was located on Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain.
Nagassar said the company faces some labour challenges, particularly with absenteeism.
"People figure it's so easy just to jump from job to job," he said.