Big & Small celebrates 20 years of business

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 26 April 2019, 12:00AM

Big & Small of Samoa celebrated 20 years of business with the expansion of its branch at the A.C.C. building.

“Hard work materialises dreams into reality,” said Margaret Fe’esago, while fighting back tears of joy. 

Established in 1999, couple George and Margaret Feesago said Big & Small of Samoa always strives to provide the best quality products for their customers. 

“It has been a dream of ours for a very long time to have a store with display windows and 20 years later, we finally nailed it. We have always been tucked in the back, yet we know our products deserve a front and center display,” said Mrs. Feesago.

The couple share the love for fashion and decorating, hence the dream to have a store with windows at the heart of Apia. 

“It is very rewarding and fulfilling for us when our customers give away a big smile when they see the products we sell. Sometimes, they end up not buying it, but seeing that smile across their faces means something to both of us,” she said. 

Mrs. Fe’esago is also keen on top notch customer service. 

“We invest in upskilling our staff with training as customer services is vital in our line for work. It does not matter who it is. Our staff knows that we emphasise the importance of humility and treating everyone that enters our doors, with love and respect. 

“They will go out and spread the word and some people may not purchase anything, but they will certainly tell others who will eventually end up in our store.” 

The opening of the newest branch coincides with the celebration of 20 years of hard work for the couple. 

“This specific project alone, we spent a lot of money on it to date. Aside from the stock, we have spent about the same on the decorations of the store and our staff.

“Our biggest goal is to provide and make available the latest fashion to our Country. Throughout the years it has collected the latest fashion straight from the highest fashion district in the world, Los Angeles U.S.A. “From women to men to kids apparel, shoes accessories perfumes, cosmetics toys and so much more. We have worked hard each year to collect the latest styles to keep our people up-to-date with today’s world of fashion."

Mrs. Fe’esago told the Samoa Observer their newest branch was possible with the assistance of their families. 

“Our support system is tremendous and the carpentry work for the newest branch was conducted by our brother Chris,” said Mrs. Fe’esago. 

According to the owners, their biggest challenge is competing against the Chinese stores. 

“However we are confident, the quality of the products we sell is different, hence investing money in our resources, whereas we travel to America to handpick our products, we don’t order online,” she said. 

Mr. Fe’esago told the Samoa Observer a little history of when the Big & Small of Samoa first started. 

“We were located at where Rhema at Taufusi is now. After a year we relocated to the Flea Market Shop #7 at Savalalo as there was no traffic for this type of business at Taufusi."

Two years later, we moved to the Accident Compensation Corporation House when the building was established in October 2001.  And 18 years later, they opened their branch at Enara House, Fugalei.  

Included in their branches is a collection from their sister store, Cece’s house of fashion clothing line. 

“Each unique piece is made locally with a touch of modern patterns designs to accommodate the growing world of fashion with our own Samoan prints,” said Mr. Fe’esago. 

He concluded by acknowledging their families.  

“To the ones who have drilled us to be the people we are today, our parents, the late Aukuso Feesago and Margean Petersen-Feesago, Setoa Chan Boon and Dolly Slade-Chan Boon, thank you for all your hard work and sacrifices, unconditional love and endless support.   

"To our Feesago family in America, you are our foundation away from home - thank you for everything you do for us and our kids. 

"To all our families here in Samoa, our friends and all valued customers of Big & Small, we thank each and every one of you for all your support throughout the years,” said George. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 26 April 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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