Trinidad’s retail landscape continues to deteriorate as The Home Store announced the closure of its Chaguanas location on January 5th, marking the latest casualty in a series of economic challenges facing the Caribbean nation. This development follows closely on the heels of MovieTowne’s shutdown of its Tobago operations, creating a pattern of retail contraction across the region.
The Home Store’s parent company, LJ Williams, attributed the decision to ‘the continued decline in the economy,’ reflecting broader systemic issues affecting consumer markets. This represents the fourth location closure for the home goods retailer in recent times, following previous shutdowns at East Gates Mall, C3 Centre, and The Falls at Westmall branches throughout 2025.
Financial disclosures reveal LJ Williams recorded a comprehensive loss of $875,000 for the six-month period ending September 30th, showing slight improvement from the $974,000 loss documented during the same timeframe in 2024. Company turnover similarly declined, dropping to $71.35 million from the previous year’s $73.30 million.
Chairman Lawford Dupres acknowledged the marginally improved loss margin but highlighted persistent challenges including weakened consumer spending and constrained access to foreign markets. These factors have significantly impacted the distribution aspect of their operations, prompting strategic shifts toward consolidating resources in higher-performing locations while reducing overall overhead costs.
The company’s condensed financial statements, published November 6th, indicated $71.355 million in sales with an operating profit of $2.14 million—a figure ultimately negated by finance costs totaling $2.63 million. Management identified foreign exchange availability as a continuing critical factor, with future strategy emphasizing rigorous cost control and investment in outlets demonstrating ‘greater promise.’
Meanwhile, MovieTowne’s simultaneous Tobago closure, though without explicit stated reason, follows widely publicized legal disputes with Port Authority landlords. In August 2024, the company’s lease holder, Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd, complied with a court order to pay $3 million to the authority. Questions regarding the Tobago branch’s economic viability have circulated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with closure rumors persisting throughout the recovery period.
Amid these closures, MovieTowne continues operations in Port of Spain and San Fernando while implementing a buy-one-get-one promotional campaign throughout January in Trinidad locations, alongside discounted park ride offerings on weekends.