Choppies targets Harare

Markets
BOTSWANA retail chain, Choppies, is set to open its first three supermarkets in Harare next month as the firm moves to spread its tentacles nationwide.

BOTSWANA retail chain, Choppies, is set to open its first three supermarkets in Harare next month as the firm moves to spread its tentacles nationwide.

MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT

The group first made its foray into Zimbabwe last year when it acquired a 49% stake in Bulawayo-based businessman Raj Modi’s Modi Enterprises for $21,2 million.

Choppies took over 10 outlets that were operating under the Aaro Mart and Spar franchises in Bulawayo.

The supermarket chain opened its 15th store in Bulawayo last week.

Choppies general manager Krishnan Unni said the first shop in the capital would be opened on Friday.

“We are going to open the first shop on Friday, the second one on December 2 and the third one on December 12,” he said.

“We are here to serve the people of Zimbabwe through our affordable prices.”

Last month, the former Solomons Supermarket in Bulawayo became the 14th store for the group. Choppies has 63 stores in Botswana and 13 outlets in South Africa.

It is reportedly planning to expand into Zambia, Mozambique and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the near future.

The group was recently honoured by the African Leadership Network in this year’s Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship after it scooped the outstanding transformational business accolade ahead of entrepreneurs from 33 African countries.

Choppies is Botswana’s largest retail chain with 63 outlets in Botswana and 13 in South Africa.

It listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange in 2011 and its market capitalisation now stands at P4,9 billion.