- It’s not just a marketplace – it’s an experience
Colombo launched its latest convenience store The Gourmet Boutique (TGB) that offers premium and specialty ingredients you need under one roof; located down the calm and residential neighbourhood at Alfred Place, Colpetty.
TGB’s focus is on top-notch service for a unique shopping experience, with a range of exclusive products unavailable in supermarkets, such as artisan food produce, catering to the refined palette with classics, specialties, and even a few surprises.
The new store shakes up the traditional convenience store offering by sourcing premium, high-end products, even from small local brands. All the imported products that are available are directly sourced from ethical and sustainable brands trusted in the US, the UK, Europe, and Australia.
The products that you can find at our store are all personally handpicked and chosen by the Co-Founders and include cold cuts, the finest coffees, handmade pasta, luxury chocolate, some of the best international cheeses, and many more. They do have a specialty range of ingredients which allows them to cater to those on keto, gluten-free, and vegan diets. Additionally, they have baby food, a pet range, and a selection of halal (permissible) cold cuts and Australian protein, ensuring that they cater to customers from all walks of life.
TGB also houses organic fruits and vegetables in collaboration with Mango Friends by Dushyanth Weeraman.
At the launch, it was announced that privilege cardholders at the store can enjoy special discounts for their birthdays and anniversaries, while the store also houses a fresh flower shop that offers imported luxury flowers from the Netherlands and Thailand.
Speaking to TGB Founder Ashraff Cassim, he stated that TGB is a new style of supermarket with a fresh look, serving their customers a unique shopping experience never seen in Sri Lanka. At the moment, their focal point is to provide customers with personally handpicked products to suit Sri Lankan taste buds, with the convenience of purchasing products that could only be found overseas right off their shelves.
He further explained that part of TGB’s unique shopping experience comes from its bean bag lounge with several photo-worthy areas where customers can hang out, setting it even further apart from the typical store. The popular Isle of Gelato ice cream brand is also available at the store’s premises.
Similarly, the entire concept of TGB stands out; the staff’s outfits are inspired by safari suits to offer an experience similar to fine dining. When walking into the store, one would immediately notice that the interior is a combination of a luxury boutique and cosy ambience. It is clear that TGB understood that interiors are an integral part of the overall shopping experience.
Cassim told us that his biggest support during the launch of the store was his daughter Zaithoon Ashraff, who he named as TGB’s Co-Founder and Marketing Executive. “She carries a big role backstage handling social media and developing sales strategies that match customer requirements. Moreover, she has kept up to date with identifying new and exciting products that have been rolling out into the market,” he informed us.
According to Cassim, TGB will be run by Zaithoon Ashraff, Ammar Ashraff, and Arthur Perera – their dedicated team that overlooks the entirety of the operation.
TGB also takes being eco conscious and plastic free seriously, as the store refrains from any plastic waste; cane materials are used for trays, while the shopping bags are eco-friendly, and billing is digital to eliminate paper waste. Commenting further on this, Cassim stated: “Our goal is to provide a unique, high-end, and hassle-free shopping experience for our customers, with personal shopping assistants to provide a service unmatched by our competitors.”
Cassim informed us that they have also teamed up with the Jataa, an initiative by Caroline Jurie, which produces head scarves mostly worn by women undergoing chemotherapy, adding that all profits from the sale of Jataa will be used to empower their fight against cancer.
Since the brand is focused on supporting small-scale and home-based businesses, TGB has a lineup of interesting pop-ups coming soon, as part of their upcoming event, which will provide a platform for these businesses to showcase their products free of charge.
TGB is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
