Plans have reached an advanced stage for the opening of another Shoprite’s store in the ancient city of Ibadan as part of its expansion plans in Nigeria. The store, which is going to be the second in Oyo State, would be located in the just completed Palms Shopping Mall.
With this development, the new store will be the 10th store since Shoprite opened its first Nigerian store in 2004 and in fulfillment of the desire to become the biggest retail giant, having its flagship store in every city.
The Palms Shopping Mall in Ibadan is the Persianas’ group’s latest development and the fourth of its kind in Nigeria with 21,000-square metre retail space that will have as neighbours a rich line of other international and local Nigerian retail brands. It will be recalled that after the first Palms Mall in Lekki, the Persianas’ group developed further malls in Enugu and Ilorin – of which Shoprite currently has stores in operation.
As a run down to this store opening, the management of the retail company has put together a series of activity to excite the people of Ibadan. The activities are to begin with a charity run, free breast cancer screening, donation to schools and lots of giveaways. The even, which would also be used to draw attention to the Shoprite Community Network Initiative, which supports organisations that provide care in various capacities, will be supported by many the Shoprite’s suppliers.
The Shoprite store manager in Ibadan, Mr. Fatai Oshungboye, said he is happy that the opening was coming at such an auspicious time when there is increasing growth in the number of retail customers
Oshungboye while commenting on the store expansion projects reiterated the management’s outlook on growth, saying; “Shoprite has plans to open 44 new stores in Nigeria as we believe that by going to all places where our customers are located, we can serve them better.”
About 200 direct and over 100 indirect jobs will be created as the new store opens. This confirms the retail outlet’s resolve to create sustainable employment alongside investing in training and development.