In Kano, Northwest Nigeria, the Ado Bayero Mall Store has finally closed, according to Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), the company that runs the Shoprite franchise in Nigeria.
On December 14, 2023, it was reported that Shoprite had given notice that its Ado Bayero Mall Store in Kano would close on January 14, 2024.
The company stated that it carefully considered its financial position and the state of the business environment before deciding to close the store.
Titled: “Ado Bayero Mall Store Closing Announcement,” the announcement addressed to employees reads: “I regret to inform you that our Stores in Ado Bayero Mall, Kano, Kano State will be closing its doors on January 14, 2024. This decision was not made lightly, as we understand the impact it may have on our employees and the community.
“However, after careful evaluation of the financial situation of the store and the current business climate, we believe it is the best course of action for the long-term growth of our organisation.
“We understand that this news may be difficult to digest, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you during this transitional period. Your well-being is our top priority, and we will do everything we can to assist you in finding new opportunities within our company.
“We encourage you to apply for any vacant positions in our existing stores across the country through the Human Resources department. Additionally, we will be opening new stores in the coming months, and you are welcome to apply for employment there as well.
“We deeply appreciate your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our company throughout the years. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are grateful for the value you have brought to our team.
“As we navigate this transition, we will ensure that the process is as seamless as possible for everyone involved. In the upcoming days and weeks, we will provide you with more information regarding severance packages and other important details.
“Once again, we want to express our gratitude for your contributions to our company’s success. We hope that you will stay connected with us as we move forward. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, the Chief Operating Officer, or our Head of Human Resources.”
In December 2005, RSNL inaugurated its initial Nigerian store in Lagos and has since grown to 26 outlets across 14 states. The company operates a substantial 4,732-square-metre distribution centre in Lagos, facilitating direct delivery from local farmers for Freshmark-Shoprite’s produce procurement.
In May 2021, Persianas Investment Limited, through Ketron Investment Limited, acquired RSNL from SHL, solidifying ownership of Shoprite stores in Nigeria. Approved by the FCCPC, Ketron now holds 100% ownership, with plans to expand and showcase a diverse range of Nigerian and international products.
Recent reports reveal that Procter & Gamble (P&G), the world’s largest personal care and household products company, intends to shift from local production to importing in Nigeria.
This decision mirrors the trend seen with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global pharmaceutical giant that recently concluded its 51-year operation in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians have decried the closure, noting that the company has thrown hundreds of Nigerians back into the labour market at a time when the country is facing a ravaging economic crunch.
@Nwafresh wrote: “At least they kept to their words thereby making people unemployed this hard January. God is watching.”
“At least they kept to their words thereby making people unemployed this hard January. God is watching.”
@Emmbee_brown lamented that the closure was a result of the “bad economic policies” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level.
“This is so sad that Shoprite finally shut down operation in Kano. The effect of the Economic policies,” he said.
