Panda Store powers through storms with new business focus

As the CNMI continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April and Super Typhoon Bavi this month, one longtime Garapan business has reinvented itself to meet the community's changing needs, transitioning from a tourism souvenir shop into a retailer specializing in generators, solar equipment, e-bikes, and other backup power products.

Saipan Panda Store, once known primarily for selling souvenirs and gifts to visitors, shifted its business model after the COVID-19 pandemic devastated tourism. Today, its inventory is geared toward helping residents prepare for power outages and other disruptions—products that have become even more essential in the aftermath of the twin Category 5 super typhoons.

"We decided to shift from the souvenirs and gift shop to providing power basically with our generators because we were getting less tourists," said Jonathan Sheu, sales representative at Saipan Panda Store.

The business once operated three locations—its current store in Garapan, another in Susupe next to Winchell's, and a third across from Joeten Hafa Adai Shopping Center in Garapan. According to Sheu, the two original stores closed before the COVID-19 pandemic because of inflation, leaving the Garapan location as the company's lone remaining outlet.

Today, the store carries generators, solar power stations, solar panels, solar lights, electric bicycles, and related products.

"Currently, all of our items are our best sellers, from our electric bikes to our generator and solar power stations," Sheu said.

The remaining store escaped major losses from the recent typhoons after employees elevated their inventory before floodwaters entered the building.

"Thankfully, we were able to have all of our inventory raised above ground level. That way, even when water did come into the store, most of our items had no damage. The only damage that we incurred was one of our air cons," Sheu said.

The business closed for about a week after Sinlaku while crews cleaned up and waited for power to be restored. Following Bavi, the store reopened after only a few days because it sustained less damage.

Despite years of economic challenges—from the pandemic and tourism downturn to the recent typhoons—Sheu said the company remains committed to serving the community.

"We decided to just stay open as long as we can provide the items that our customers need," he said.

Saipan Panda Store is currently offering discounts of about 10% to 20% on its products. Looking ahead, Sheu said the business plans to add a 15,000-watt generator to its inventory and is exploring e-bike rentals for tourists as the visitor industry recovers. However, he said the company has no immediate plans to return to its former souvenir and gift shop business.

Saipan Panda Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm in Garapan. Customers may call (670) 285-7438 for more information or visit the business' Facebook page, Saipan Panda Store.