The commercial business landscape in Anguilla has been given a big boost with the opening of an imposing multi-million-dollar hardware store, just outside the Government’s Secretariat. It replaces the small ABC Supplies Store which the late Calvin Lake operated near the now expanded airport for many years until his passing on April 3, 2005, at the age of 52. His family, who continued the business there, has now moved it to the Calvin W. Lake Commercial Building at the above mentioned location.
In addition to the store, the two-storey building features thirteen 700 square-foot offices and two 900 square-foot offices, all ready for rental accommodation, as well as a deli in the shopping area which will open later in the year.
The opening of the sixteen thousand square-foot edifice this Friday, April 26, was timed by his family to coincide with the sixtieth birthday of the late Mr. Lake in honour of his memory and contribution to Anguilla.
Mitch Lake, the eldest of the deceased’s four children, has been the driving force behind the building project, supported by their mother, Mrs. Janet Lake, who joins them in playing a pivotal role in the operation of the business. The family was waiting for the adjoining gravel road to be surfaced by Government under a relocation agreement but, according to Mitch, it cannot any longer delay the opening the building which costs in excess of 2.5 million US dollars. He has, however, gone ahead to pave the courtyard in order to open the store and to further enhancethe premises. “The longer this place remains closed, the quicker the family loses everything and no one understands that,” he commented.
Mr. Lake, known for his creation and establishment of the island’s state-of-the-art Tennis Academy, was asked to define the concept of the family’s commercial business. “My father built this business on service and relationship with the suppliers,” he replied. “After his death, I wanted to build something that would allow his legacy to live for generations to come. My father always said there was only one way to do something and that was the right way. It is unfortunate that he is not around to see that his children and his wife have learnt from all the values that he taught us: from customer relationship to service.
“When I look at this building, I see the legacy of a man who wanted to make sure that people were treated right, that things were priced fairly and that one can compete on an even playing field. This business, to me, emulates all those values that he taught us – and it is very important that people understand that, and not to just look at the size of the business, but to understand where it came from. This business was built by a man who had a vision and started with a bundle of 2x4s, a bundle of plywood and nails. Everyday he thought about how he could improve the service and to get the things that the people needed so that they could construct their homes.
“We are just trying to carry on that legacy that he created and to build something that would be big enough to house the materials that people need, and to have competitive prices to allow them to shop in Anguilla and get the quality products they need.” The interior layout of the building was designed by the family, particularly by the younger sister, Marvia Lake-Rogers.
Indeed, on entering the store, and looking around, one gets the feeling of walking through one of the large international classy, sophisticated,well laid-out and fully-stocked hardware stores, with every conceivable item on display, and with clearly visible pricetags. There is a huge paved backyard with various building materials on racks and plenty of space for loading.
Mitch Lake spent a few minutes listing some of the items inside the store just to give an idea of the wide selections. “We have special garden fencing, nuts and bolts and fasteners, hand tools, power tools and accessories, kitchen and bath supplies, plumbing and electrical supplies, fans and lighting, home-deco and paints,” he said, but nowhere covering the multiplicity of items. The special shelving is replete with supplies of every description.
There are no immediate plans for a formal opening of the Calvin Lake Commercial Complex. For now, Mitch and his family have settled for a simple and private blessing of the building this Thursday evening by Pastor Cecil Richardson of the Central Baptist Church. Friday’s opening will feature a number of special give-aways to be won at raffles organised by the family as a goodwill gesture to shoppers and other members of the public.
Mitch Lake and family thank Caribbean Commercial Bank for assisting with financing and all suppliers and persons in the comunity for their support.
