With the launch of a new Shoprite location in Port Harcourt, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (RSN) Ltd. has reiterated its aspirations for growth in Nigeria.
Mr. Hubertus Rick, CEO of RSN, referred to the Garden City Mall in Port Harcourt as the third-largest retail centre in West Africa in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by Ms. Venessa Ebifemi, Corporate Affairs Manager of RSN.
According to Rick, the company’s expansion to 25 sites in the nation fulfils its promise to develop the retail network in Nigeria.
He claimed that this move would increase Nigerians’ access to formal shopping while reviving the economy.
He said that important differentiators such Shoprite’s extensive selection of fruits and alcohol, for which the grocery chain has grown to be recognised over the years and which gives it an advantage over rivals, would be brought by the new shop.
With over 2,000 employees, all of whom were Nigerian, Rick said that RSN currently owned the whole company.
Following its purchase of Shoprite, he said, the company has experienced significant growth, as evidenced by the recent reopening of its circle mall store in Lagos and the management of its 24 more outlets around Nigeria.
“Shoprite’s retail journey in Nigeria dates back to 2005 with its first store opening in Lekki, Lagos.
“Since then the retail giant has branched out to 24 other locations, across eleven states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, making it Nigeria’s most successful supermarket chain.
“We are excited to be launching our new store in Port Harcourt and are dedicated to providing top-notch service to all our customers, making available the best value products and services.
“This is in confirmation that our ongoing expansion is one of the many growth opportunities for Nigerians in the coming months as we look to opening in Kaduna, Benin, and Jos,” he said.