Pacific Harbour in Deuba is set to welcome a $1.2 million economic boost following the official lease signing between the P. Meghji Group and the Damodar Yatu Pte Limited, marking the entry of the seventh Fresh Choice supermarket in Fiji.
The new retail outlet will be stationed at the newly revitalised $20m Damodar Yatu Lau Village, directly responding to a booming demand for lifestyle-oriented shopping facilities in Fiji’s adventure capital.
The project represents a completely self-funded venture, splitting costs between $500,000 to $600,000 for local equipment setup, and an equivalent amount for stock.
P. Meghji group general manager Eremasi Matanatabu said the supermarket chain’s expansion directly aligned with the rapid development of the Deuba region.
“The (Damodar Yatu Lau) village is actually growing now in leaps and bounds. And things are happening there, and we’d just like to be part of that community. And I see there’s a lot of development that’s happening behind the area, but also in the foreshore. There are more hotels actually coming up, so it’s a long-term investment for us,” Mr Matanatabu said in an interview.
The store aims to bring its premium supply lines directly to the community’s doorstep.
“We would also like to offer customers in Deuba our fresh vegetables, our quality cuts from our butchers and our everyday essentials would be the right at-their-door steps for the visitors and also the guests in the resorts,” he said.
Mr Matanatabu said the investment would create 15 permanent local jobs.
He added they would take on five to eight more workers on an ad hoc basis depending on the season.
Mr Matanatabu told this newspaper that preliminary work had been underway for the past two months, and despite pending regulatory approvals with stakeholders, Fresh Choice expects to open its doors by December this year or early January 2027.
Damodar Group chief executive officer Div Damodar said they had been exploring supermarket brands to bring in to the village, with Fresh Choice being the ultimate choice.
“We’re so excited and we’ve seen some of the early concepts on what they’ve done, it will revolutionise the supermarket in the entire Navua-Serua area,” Mr Damodar said.
“Together with our expanding mix of businesses, cultural experiences and entertainment, Fresh Choice will help make the village an even more convenient and welcoming destination for the growing Pacific Harbour community and the many visitors to this beautiful area,” he added.
This announcement follows the recent opening of The Establishment, Glamstrike, Hot Bread Kitchen, HFC Bank, and Bula Beauty & Spa at the village.
Mr Damodar said those businesses complemented the established tenants.
“Other exciting new tenants are currently completing their shop fitouts, with announcements about their business opening dates to follow,” Mr Damodar said.
He added that Damodar Yatu Lau Pte Limited also continued to develop the village’s cultural tourism tours and performances, to offer visitors opportunities to experience Fiji’s cultural heritage.
“Damodar Yatu Lau Pte Limited continues to strengthen the village’s role as a destination for shopping, dining, cultural tourism, entertainment and community activity.
“The addition of Fresh Choice marks another milestone in this development and reinforces the village’s and Pacific Harbour’s growing appeal to businesses and customers alike.”
