By Tunde Alao

The Nigerian retail sector is taking a big leap forward, with the unveiling of Owerri Mall in the Imo State capital - courtesy of a South African-based property developer - Resilient Africa.

The property, located at Egbu Road, housing 45 trading outfits including Shoprite was commissioned last week by the Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha.

The project was in partnership with Messrs Somachi Investment Limited, a company owned by the Chairman of Owerri Mall Development Company, Herbert Chikwe, which provided the land, and Messrs Terrestria Group, Median group and Tidllock group.

Sitting on 9,950 square meters of land, the total cost of construction was $44 million. Shoprite is the Anchor tenant with a ground land area of 3,500square metres and has also commenced trading activities.

Chairman of Owerri Mall Development Company, Chief Herbert Chikwe said his "long struggles and perseverance to build a modern market 35 years ago, has manifested even bigger and more magnificent contemporary mall, comparable to the best anywhere in the world".

Chikwe said Owerri Mall is his contribution to Owerri city's development. "Owerri Mall is an attractive shopping destination to the lower, middle and upper-income levels effecting centrality, accessibility and visibility.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201603280710.html

Natures Gentle Touch expands to Shoprite Owerri

Recare International, owners of Natures Gentle Touch, a leading personal style brand has announced that customers in Owerri can now purchase any of its hair and scalp solution products at Shoprite supermarket in the newly commissioned Owerri Mall, following the grand opening of the Mall at the weekend. A view of the newly commissioned Owerri Mall This, the company says is In line with its promise to provide proven solutions to every hair and scalp problems. “We are really excited about increasing our presence in Owerri, although our products are already available in major stores here, being in Shoprite also allows us reach more customers and allow us meet the growing demand for our products in this market” that’s according to Recare Marketing Manager, Kunmi Balogun. The grand opening was hosted by the Imo State Governor, Owele Rochas Okorocha who commissioned the mall and declared it open at about 12:45pm.

The Governor noted that he was particularly happy with the new development, stating that Imo was indeed better at 40. He expressed optimism that the new mall would bring a variety of options for Imo indigenes at affordable prices while creating jobs. Also speaking at the sideline of the ceremony, some customers expressed joy at the presence of Nature Gentle Touch products. According to Chioma Agwu, a banker “I used to order the products online and it would be delivered to me within 48 hours, now I can walk into Shoprite and purchase any of the products I need. For me, this is good news she added”. Another customer, Irene Ikenna described the availability of Natures Gentle Touch at Shoprite as “one of the best news of 2016. The Owerri Mall located at 3, Egbu Road had over 7,000 shoppers visit on the first day of its opening.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/natures-gentle-touch-expands-shoprite-owerri/

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