There has been so much buzz about the opening of the 24th shoprite outlet in Nigeria and this one happens to be located along the airport road, Abuja.

I always pass there on my way home and I have watched with keen interest how fast the structure was raised and to my pleasant surprise the opening happens to be today 30th November, 2017. I promised myself I won't miss it as I have never witnessed first hand any of shoprite opening in Abuja, (I think this should be their fourth outlet in Abuja, I am not sure, I know of Apo, Jabi mall and silverbird )

I was taken aback by the massive crowd, starting from the car entrance, so much cars parked everywhere., I was scared that the parking lot was already filled but not so, as we were directed inside to park properly. I guess people abandoned their cars for fear of getting space to park.


***Mods, I don't know if this is in the right thread, kindly move it in case I am wrong

I was taken aback by the surge of crowd, I wasn't expecting this because of the location and I am sure the staffs too didn't expect it either

The crowd filled the entire shoprite that it's doors has to be shut to customers and also there was another barricade of trolleys stopping more customers from entering, I was scared there might be a stampede but thankfully none happened during my brief visit, I stood for like 20 minutes before they doors were opened again, see mad rush

The first barricade, I was lucky to pass through the first one, I am just waiting for the doors to be opened again

Amazing . Finally doors were opened

Show me your face

Inside was so tight, I could hardly move around freely without bumping into human beings, shopping trolleys and children etc

Checking out was not easy too, I spent another 30 minutes , all the checking points were so busy , trolleys everywhere with loads and loads of goods

Waiting

Next batch waiting to shop

Shopping baskets in the air

Shoprite famous puff puff is available

Another crowd at PEP, they have some serious promotion going on

Finally out.. Beautiful scenery on the outside, eating and relaxation spot

Cool! You really took your time to update this thread with pictures. Hope you enjoyed the grand opening of the Gateway Mall?

I am happy that they are now open.


Do pass that route on my way home as well.


But I refused to go there yesterday because I knew there will be a crowd.


I will visit there in the coming two weeks from today. By then, one can shop comfortably.

My overall experience was uncomfortable, I like to shop in very comfy environment but I didn't get that yesterday.

My verdict...I won't be attending any grand opening in hurry, be it shoprite or any other.

I actually expected some freebies or some price slashes but things remain same but I overheard people saying that the drinks were cheaper, I didn't have opportunity to check it out because of the massive crowd.