Pay-Less Markets

75 years of serving Guam and supporting the community

Pay-Less Markets Inc., a division of PMC Investment Inc., is Guam’s largest and longest-standing locally owned supermarket chain. Proudly serving the island community for 75 years, Pay-Less is dedicated to meeting local needs by providing a diverse selection of grocery products, from fresh produce to household essentials. Pay-Less is the largest purchaser of local produce on Guam. The company operates eight supermarkets, six SuperDrug pharmacies, PDC Wholesale, and PMI Security. 

In 1950, Pay-Less Markets Inc. embarked on its kårera — the CHamoru word for “journey”—as a single grocery store — J&G Thrift Market in Hagåtña. From the beginning, the company was driven by a clear vision to “provide the best customer value every day.” This vision laid the foundation for PMI’s mission. 

Pay-Less President Katherine R. Calvo acknowledges her late father, Paul M. Calvo, who was instrumental in purchasing Pay-Less Markets from Kenneth T. Jones along with his brothers Eddie and Jerry Calvo in 1985. PMC Investments Inc. acquired Pay-Less Markets from Calvo Enterprises in 2010.

She commends her colleagues on the executive team for their diligence: Michael Benito, executive vice president and general manager, Timothy Perez, chief financial officer, Bernie Onedera, operations manager, Franklin Sablan, human resources director; and “more than 800 valued and impassioned employees.”

In 1955 the Maite Pay-Less Supermarket opened, followed by stores in Sinajana in 1967, in Northgate, Tamuning in 1968: in Harmon in 1976, in Agana in 1978, in Dededo in 1980 and in Oka in 1987.  

Calvo says, “Each store was established to address specific community needs. For example, our focus on serving underserved areas led to new stores in Mangilao and Sumay, ensuring access to quality products. By strategically expanding with convenient locations and absorbing competition, such as acquiring Ada Seiyu Mart in Dededo and Sinajana, or Safeway in Micronesia Mall, we have solidified our presence as Guam’s trusted retailer.”

And equally, through in-store partner businesses and a program of upgrading and renovation, Pay-Less has ensured its supermarkets have a bright and efficient atmosphere, making for easy shopping and attractive displays of goods. 

Going beyond traditional grocery offerings, Pay-Less has introduced innovative services and new business ventures, including the SuperDrug Pharmacies – now at six locations, and at the IHP Pharmacy and Kmart; the Floral Shop at four locations; Health Smart – offering healthy alternatives to the community; and the Pay-Less O.N.E. (Organic. Natural. EduKitchen) – which transitioned from dedicated sections to incorporating these products throughout its locations. 

PDC Wholesale (the Pay-Less Distribution Center) began as the central distribution hub for all Pay-Less goods. In 2016, it expanded into PDC Wholesale, now operating a 50,000-square-foot storage facility. PDC is one of Guam’s largest importers of refrigerated goods, has a USDA meat processing plant, a Produce processing facility and a banana ripening chamber that processes over 5,000 cases of bananas a month. 

In addition, Pay-Less has launched the popular Måolek Rewards loyalty program, offering members rewards, digital coupons, exclusive promotions, sweepstakes, and savings through Calvo’s Lifestyle Club, Fresh Savings for Seniors, and Måolek Member Pricing.

Through the Pay-Less Markets Community Foundation, Pay-Less leads impactful initiatives in community outreach, sustainability, and charitable giving, reinforcing its commitment to Guam’s well-being.

As Pay-Less celebrates, Calvo says, “As a cornerstone of our island community, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our island while continuously adapting to meet future needs.”