Chinese-owned supermarkets reshape Guyana’s retail landscape

Nov 23, 2025 News

---

– Real Value shares insights on growth and community commitment

(Kaieteur News) – In recent years, Guyana has seen a noticeable rise in the number of Chinese-owned supermarkets opening across the country. The expansion has reshaped the retail landscape, introducing new levels of competition, wider product selections, and in some cases, lower prices.

However, the rapid growth has also sparked concern among some Guyanese shop owners and consumers, who say the influx has placed added pressure on small, locally operated businesses. Many argue that traditional family shops, long rooted in their communities, are struggling to keep pace with the scale and resources of these newer establishments. As the debate continues, opinions remain divided, some view the increased competition as part of a modernising economy, while others fear it may erode local livelihoods and long-standing commercial traditions.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

In a recent interview, Kaieteur News spoke with one of the earlier entrants into the Guyanese market- Real Value Supermarket, founded by Jason Wang in 2014. Manager of the supermarket, Charles Wallerson reflected on the supermarket’s journey and shared insights on what has contributed to its continued success. Wallerson emphasised that Real Value’s growth is rooted not only in sound business practices but also in a commitment to the local community.

“The owner has a strong sense of corporate responsibility,” he said. “Every year, even though Christmas is not celebrated in Chinese culture, we make it a point to reach out to vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly and children. The Chinese medical team helps assess their needs, provides support, and ensures they receive essential packages. We also support organisations like Joshua House and the Palms Geriatric Facility and maintain the IT Lab at the St. Rose’s High School.”  Additionally, every year, the supermarket provides a bursary award to the top performing student of every class level at St. Rose’s High as well as an annual monetary package to nearby St. Angela’s Primary School to assist in its upkeep.

Wallerson also highlighted the supermarket’s customer loyalty programme, which allows shoppers with membership cards to accumulate points on every purchase. “At the end of each month, customers can redeem their points, which has helped strengthen relationships with our patrons,” Wallerson explained.

SURGE IN CHINESE BUSINESSES

Wallerson also addressed the concerns surrounding the surge of Chinese-owned supermarkets in Guyana. There has been some pushback within the business community on this issue with the Guyanese Businesses Owners Association (GBOA), comprising 65 entities and individuals earlier this year requested a meeting with President Irfaan Ali to address concerns regarding the proliferation of non-naturalised Chinese owned businesses, predominantly supermarkets and hardware stores, throughout communities in the country.

The Guyanese business owners were keen to note that while they recognise and embrace healthy competition for the benefit of consumers, their primary concern pertains to the perceived lack of adherence by Chinese businesses to the same laws and regulations governing Guyanese enterprises. However, in a recent interview with this newspaper, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Kathy Smith urged local entrepreneurs to adapt rather than despair. She told Kaieteur News that she is aware of the concerns being raised by small shop owners in particular. “I think maybe it’s a valid concern on their part.” The GCCI President went on to note that the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues have started to address these issues by identifying red tapes and providing guidance to cross such hurdles. In addition, she pointed out that the government will be rolling out a Development Bank with seed financing to assist locals in business development to assist in boosting confidence and ultimately aid in the competition process. Meanwhile, over at the Chamber, the President noted that conversations are ongoing that are not focused on the problem, but rather, the solution.

To this end, she explained, “My encouragement to small business owners is that let us try and push our business to be robust and to be strong. We want them to turn up every day, doing business in a way to compete with anybody around them.” She was keen to note that this means designing a framework to ensure sustainability, starting with a business account and chasing government bids. Smith said the Chamber has not received any complaints regarding a takeover of business by the Chinese, Indians or other nationals. According to her, “I think Guyana is seen as a place for investment and as a private sector, us being the engine of growth, we welcome any investment in our country once there are legal investment.” She added that citizens are not merely Guyanese born but naturalised individuals who are also chasing business opportunities in the rapidly expanding economy. “So as a private sector, we cannot just separate the way of doing business based on nationality. We looked at the entire ecosystem of business, and if it happens to be a foreign investor, somebody come from Trinidad, somebody come from New York, wherever they come from, and they’re doing business the right way, legal way, that is something that the private sector welcomes because it’s created employment for Guyanese that is added towards the growth and development of this economy,” the GCCI President said.

REAL VALUE FOR MONEY

For his part, Wallerson said “many of the Chinese businesses have the resources to operate on a larger scale, which brings benefits like quality products and competitive pricing.”  “But what sets Real Value apart is our understanding of the local culture and our focus on affordability. We offer both original and more budget-friendly products to cater to different customers, ensuring that no one is left out.” In addition, Wallerson spoke about the supermarket’s strong relationships with suppliers and the importance of sourcing locally whenever possible. “We try to support local farmers and producers, which helps the economy and ensures fresh products for our customers,” he noted.

Reflecting on the company’s approach to service and employee development, he shared that staff are trained to prioritise customer care and maintain efficiency. “We invest in our employees so that they can understand customer needs and deliver a better shopping experience. This is part of what has helped us stand out among newer supermarkets,” Wallerson said.

He also touched on how Real Value has embraced innovation and technology. From inventory management systems to automated point-of-sale processes, the supermarket continually updates its operations to maintain competitiveness and keep prices fair. “It’s about combining modern business practices with a community-focused approach,” he added. Wallerson concluded by offering advice to the broader retail sector: “Competition is healthy. It pushes all of us to improve. But for businesses to truly succeed in Guyana, they must respect the community, understand the people, and give back whenever possible. That’s what keeps customers loyal and ensures long-term growth.” As Chinese-owned supermarkets continue to expand, Real Value serves as an example of balancing scale, innovation, and cultural sensitivity, proving that growth and community responsibility can go hand in hand.

---

• Charles Wallerson, Jason Wang, Real Value Supermarket, retail landscape, Yongquan Bi

---