SM to become ‘Shine Marianas’

SM Store products caters to different demographics and prices remain reasonable. (Photos by Bea Cabrera)

SM Store kind of disappeared from the radar last April after closing its store at Springs Plaza on Middle Road. But it never really went away; the new store is now located beside Drew’s Bar and Grill on Beach Road. Together with the new location will come a new name: Shine Marianas.

SM, which has been in business since 1994, has always been good at renewing itself through the years. According to SM manager Mario Rodriguez, they were simply called SM for many years “but we will change it to something positive that will reflect the beauty of the CNMI. Soon, our store will be renamed ‘Shine Marianas.’ We will have this implemented in the coming months.”

One of the primary reasons for the move to a new location is to avoid redundancy.

“For some time now, we had two SM Stores—one at Springs Plaza and one already here where we sold wholesale goods and items. Eventually, we decided to just concentrate on one store and move everything here,” Rodriguez said.

The new location on Beach Road makes the store more accessible and has brought in better business, according to Rodriguez. “Sales have been better since we moved. We have more parking in the new location, which is important in every business. You may have customers but if they can’t find parking, you lose them,” he said.

He is happy to report that all their loyal customers have followed them to the new site. “When they found out [where we relocated], we got feedback that it is better that we are here on Beach Road because it is accessible,” he said.

You can practically find anything you need at the store, from A to Z. “We have apparel for men, women, children and babies, shoes, accessories, toys, beauty products, etc. You name it and we have it,” Rodriguez said.

Their ongoing promo allows you to buy three shirts for just $10, $12, or $18. They also have 25% off on children’s shorts.

“We have updated our ‘home and office’ products and items, like furniture, some appliances, home décor and the like,” he added

Their products are imported from the U.S. mainland, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

One customer said that she has been going to SM for many years now. “When they closed at Springs Plaza, I was kind of worried because I did not know where they transferred. But now, I am here in the new location, buying clothes for my daughter for the new school year,” she said.

Rodirguez believes that SM’s staying power is the variety of goods that they have and their services. “Service is everything to us. We value our customers so the convenience of finding everything they need in our store is our priority,” he said.

Their “back to school’ promo will start this month of August, soon after their new shipment arrives on Aug.20.
SM is open Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 8pm. For inquiries, call (670) 783-4376 and look them up on Facebook: SM Saipan.