It's been a tough week for retail and entertainment in Trinidad and Tobago, as two significant closures have hit the headlines. The Home Store has shut down its Chaguanas branch, hot on the heels of MovieTowne Tobago ceasing operations.
The Home Store: Another Branch Bites the Dust
The Home Store announced the closure of its Chaguanas location on January 5th, citing "the continued decline in the economy." This isn't their first rodeo; the company previously closed branches at East Gates Mall, C3 Centre, and The Falls at Westmall in 2025. While their Barataria branch and two locations in Guyana remain open, the closures reflect a broader struggle.
The parent company, LJ Williams, reported a total comprehensive loss of $875,000 for the six months ending September 30th, though this is an improvement from the $974,000 loss in the same period of 2024. Turnover also saw a slight dip from $73.30 million in 2024 to $71.35 million.
Chairman Lawford Dupres acknowledged the improved loss margin but pointed to weaker consumer spending and limited access to foreign markets as ongoing challenges for the distribution side of the business. As a result, the company has been making operational adjustments, including reducing the number of outlets to focus resources on higher-performing locations and cut overheads. Foreign exchange availability is also a key factor, with management concentrating on cost control and promising outlets.
MovieTowne Tobago: The Final Curtain Call
Just a day before The Home Store's announcement, MovieTowne Tobago also closed its doors. While no official reason was given for the closure, it follows widely reported legal battles with its landlords, the Port Authority. In August 2024, the leaseholder, Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd, paid $3 million to the authority following a court order. The MovieTowne branches in Port of Spain and San Fernando will continue to operate.
Rumours of MovieTowne Tobago's economic viability and potential closure have been circulating since the covid19 pandemic, making this news perhaps less of a surprise to some. For those looking to catch a flick, MovieTowne is currently running a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on movie tickets from Monday to Friday, January 5-31, in Trinidad. On weekends, the promotion extends to DinoWorld, with three park rides costing $100.
These closures highlight the ongoing economic challenges facing businesses in Trinidad and Tobago, forcing companies to make tough decisions to adapt and survive.
