Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.) has celebrated 12 years of its service to local families and those abroad with the theme "thankful." 

The President and C.E.O., Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, said that the birthday celebration would not have been possible without God.

“The first feeling I got when I woke up this morning is gratitude to the Lord,” she told the Samoa Observer.

She said that her business was established in 2008 and that it grew out of her passion for reading, and bridging a gap in the market for providing stationery, books and office supplies. Tofilau revealed that she started with four employees. 

However, within ten years the S.S.A.B. Megastore in Togafuafua was established in 2012 and the business had acquired land.

“I thank God because he has been so faithful; we were so busy right throughout Friday," the C.E.O. said. 

“The theme for our campaign is thankful Christmas reason being is that during this whole year especially with the pandemic there’s been a lot of uncertainties during these trying times but God has been faithful to S.S.A.B. We didn’t have to let go of anyone, everyone’s got their jobs and I still see God’s favour upon the company.”

To date, S.S.A.B. has six branches, five locally and one in New Zealand, and more than 170 employees.

“What makes S.S.A.B. successful is not only the Lord’s support but also it’s the staff’s spirits, I really value my workers and their hard work and commitment to S.S.A.B," Tofilau said. “It is because they make S.S.A.B., their spirits make this company and I thank God for my workers like I said, we were busy right throughout.

Part of the company’s celebration included a discount on one hundred different products on their popular lucky late bird sale on Friday and Saturday. S.S.A.B. promised to give away a hundred items to the first one hundred customers to arrive at its megastore on Saturday morning.

Any customer who spends more than $50 will gain the chance to win one of ten prizes from the store or its partners.

S.S.A.B. confirmed that the total value of prizes they are giving away for their birthday celebrations and Christmas campaign totals $50,000.

“The customers are grateful for all the specials because we planned this birthday maybe six months ago," Tofilau said. “I would like to thank the customers without their loyalty and support we would not have made it.

“I think despite the pandemic, we just have got to be grateful of your blessings that you have, like your loved ones, families, just be thankful to God for what you have.”

The businesswoman also credited the support from her husband, Aumua Tuatagaloa Leung Wai, and all the families involved in S.S.A.B.'s broader business.