The Shoprite mall in Kano has announced that the branch will end its operation in the northwest Nigeria in the next 30 days.
The mall said it would no longer operate in the state because of the “financial situation” of the store and the “current business climate”.
In a circular signed by the management of the retail supermarket on Thursday, Shoprite announced that it would close its operation on January 14, 2024.
It explained that all the employees working at the mall will be laid off once it ceases operation in the state, describing the decision as regrettable but necessary.
The circular read in part: “I regret that our store in Ado Bayero Mall, Kano, 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.”
It added that the management agreed on the decision after carefully evaluating the store’s financial situation and the current business climate in the country.
“We believe that it is the best cause of action for the long-term growth of our organisation. We understand that this news may be difficult to digest. We want to assure you [our employees] 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,” the circular read.
“We encourage you to apply for any vacant positions in our existing stores across the country through the Human Resources department.”
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The branch encouraged its employees to apply for any vacant position in other branches across the country, noting that they will open new branches in other parts of the country.
Senator Shehu Sani, the former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, posted that President Tinubu “beg” Kano Shoprite, so they continue operating in the state.
Senator Sani made the plea via his personal X account.
“The President should beg them to stay,” he wrote.
For Sunusi Dantata, another X user, Shoprite is leaving Kano because they couldn’t compete with the local champions in the northern commercial city.
“They’re leaving because they couldn’t compete with the local champions, Sahad, Sufi, Wellcare, etc. Also, they offer no convenience!” he posted.
Similarly, Jumia, a Pan-African e-commerce giant also announced announced a complete closure of its food delivery service, Jumia Food, in Nigeria and six other countries due to a hostile business environment and an inability to optimize profit.
WikktiTimes learnt that the decision was part of a cost-cutting push aimed at refocusing the company on expanding its online retail business.
Besides Nigeria, other countries Jumia plans to shut down operations are Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Ivory Coast.
