Mabuhay Asian Mart celebrates one-year milestone while revealing struggles with supermarket competition

An Asian food mart in Geraldton which has stayed afloat despite competition from major supermarkets will celebrate its one-year anniversary this weekend. Mabuhay Asian Mart’s milestone is this Saturday, and it is marking the occasion with a tasting table and raffle for customers. Despite pressure from large supermarket chains offering international groceries, the owner said she had great support from returning customers to keep the stock turning over. Karen Joy Croasdale said she was looking forward to celebrating the occasion. “We will have a table with delicacies from the Philippines for everyone to try and to put the taste of the Philippines out there,” she said. Mabuhay staff will also wear traditional outfits from their country on the day. Having gone through many challenges along the way, Ms Croasdale was relieved the business found light at the end of the tunnel. “I thought at the start we would give ourselves a year and see how it works, and it seems to be doing good,” she said. “I’m so looking forward to next year. I get a lot of support from the community in Geraldton.” As a small, family owned business, Ms Croasdale said she felt the pressure when it came to competing with large supermarket chains. “I find them quite ruthless towards small businesses in town, but we offer a great service to our customers. We are product-driven and make sure we listen to the customers,” she said. “I believe I have a lot of stuff you can’t find in supermarkets. The competition is there but I just have to move forward, get on with it and learn from it. “We make sure we listen and if we are able to source the products they’re after, we try our very best.” The raffle will be drawn on Sunday, November 20 with all the winners posted to the Mabuhay Asian Mart Facebook page.