The economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of another business at Matautu.

The Zhu Jian Chen supermarket at Matautu, which was previously known to be a branch of the Princessa supermarket chain, has closed its doors to customers.

The supermarket’s owner,  Zhu Jian Chen, confirmed the shutting of his business when asked by the Samoa Observer.

“This pandemic [is] killing our businesses,” he said.

Mr Chen refused to answer any further questions when pressed by this newspaper. 

A visit to the supermarket on Tuesday by this newspaper confirmed that the building was empty except for gas bottles, which were being taken out of the shop to a waiting truck. 

The closed supermarket is located at the bottom floor of the Pacific Inn two-storey building at Matautu.