N. RICHARDS and Company. Masvingo Pvt Ltd yesterday officially opened its first branch in Bulawayo as the group spreads its tentacles into the second capital presently reeling from a flight of companies citing a harsh economic climate.
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The Masvingo-based wholesaler’s entry into Bulawayo has several branches and outlets country, including six outlets in Masvingo, two in Chiredzi, two in Gutu, and an outlet each in Chipinge, Zaka, Zvishavane, Chivi, Chivu, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Harare, one outlet in Marondera and an outlet in Rusape.
The Bulawayo branch is situated at Thongroove light industrial site near Renkini country bus terminus.
N. Richards and Co Masvingo, (Pvt) Ltd southern region director Rodwell Dongo said the new company took cogniscance of Bulawayo large population.
“We believe our business will bloom in Bulawayo and we are also creating employment for the residents.
“We are certain that our customers will be comfortable with the prices.” Dongo said.
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The N. Richards and Company boss revealed that it had partnered with more than 3 000 local suppliers to promote the economic revival of Bulawayo.
Some of the local firms the Masvingo-based wholesaler has partnered are Portland Pretoria Company, Zimplow, United Refineries, Lobels, Monarch, Arenel, Zimtile, Pump and Steal, among others.
The firm has since employed 19 local workers. Out of that number 16 were referred by the Labour ministry.
“With progress we will be employing more local people and we will be working with the ministry of Labour,” he said, adding that the company was expanding nationwide as it opened an outlet in Kwekwe two months ago and another one in Kadoma three weeks ago.
The firm is currently running a harvest promotion targeting farmers. Dongo said prices of farming equipment and products had been reduced so that farmers could start preparing for the planting season.
When Southern Eye visited the new outlet, scores of customers had flooded the outlet.
“We are so excited that a new outlet has opened in the city and that shows that we are moving forward.
“We are overwhelmed by the variety of products available and the reasonable prices,” Judith Phiri, a customer said.
Silibaziso Ndiweni, another customer, said the new outlet had brought relief as prices of some products elsewhere were too high.
“We welcome the shop that has chosen to employ local people,” said.
“The outlet has brought about price relief to us because some of the shops are overcharging for their products, but with this one we are so content with the prices.”
