A new $22 million shopping mall in the heart of Apia with a mordernised look will soon open its doors offering one hundred parking spaces to customers in the congested town area. 

Known as the Taufusi Plazza, it is being constructed on where the old Apia Bottling Company used to operate from. The new two-storey building stands tall and is near completion. 

The mordernised building is planned to house restaurants, clothing shops and other businesses. The shopping mall is owned by the Bargain Group who also run the Bargain Wholesale at Vaitele-fou. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer businessman and owner Jessie Shi said the new shopping mall costs $22 million and there are other major plans in the pipeline. 

“In Samoa, there is a shortage of modern shopping malls and most of the shops don’t have enough car parks,” said Mr. Shi. 

“We are building an exclusive car park reserved for 100 car park spaces. It will have a two-way driveway on both sides of the building and once completed we invite you to come and have a look…we are looking to finish it in May.” 

Mr. Shi added his wife was the main boss and they hoped to open the shopping mall space for anyone interested to rent. 

Since construction work began the project has encountered hiccups along the way with the work being put on hold for some time due to compliance requirements. 

Asked about the building and a proposed hotel on the top floor, he said those plans have been scrapped. 

“Yes we cancelled [hotel], our application [development consent] is a shopping mall,” he replied. 

“Yes, we have to stick to our original application for a shopping mall.” 

Mr. Shi said the investment will help the economy of Samoa by creating job opportunities for some 60 workers and contributing to the revenue of the state. 

He added there are plans to build another shopping mall but it was still in discussion. The owner said the construction work was being carried out by an Australian company. 

An elevator has already been installed in the shopping mall and local companies are being subcontracted to do electrical work.