A store manager in one of the shops at the Ikeja Mall has stated that Shoprite Nigeria is not shutting down, rather it is being acquired by a local retail company.

Many Nigerians woke up to the news that Shoprite Nigeria was shutting down following an official communication by the supermarket giant that it is closing its Nigeria branch.

Many took to social media to blame President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and even others the ease of doing business as championed by Vice President Osinbajo for Shoprite’s failing. The South African supermarket chain is leaving Nigeria after 15 years.

In reaction to a question that Shoprite was shutting down, the store manager, Adeyinka Saka offered clarification on the issue.

“Don’t get it twisted Sir, I am currently working as a store manager in one of the stores at Ikeja City Mall.

“It is being taken over by an indigenous retail company. Nobody is losing his or her job however, there will be a change in management.

Why is Shoprite selling Nigeria stake?

According to Koshiek Karan, a business adviser, Shoprite is leaving Nigeria because of a number of reasons including local culture and consumer preferences.

It would be recalled that Nigerians targeted and attacked South African businesses following xenophobia attacks that in South Africa.

“Shoprite is pulling out of Nigeria and is launching a formal process to sell their stake. South African listed companies have found it challenging to do business in Nigeria. MTN, Tiger Brands and now Shoprite,” Karan said.

“Sharp reminder the sheer arrogance of thinking Africa is “all the same” will burn you. Having advised on cross border African M&A deals, there’s very little emphasis at a senior exec level to really understand local cultures, consumer preferences and ways of doing business.

“It is never as simple as just setting up shop & expecting profits to roll in.”


Some Nigerians however say that the supermarket giant’s decision to leave Nigeria is because its management failed to manage its operations in Nigeria properly.

Adewunmi Collins, a journalist and political analyst urged Nigerians not to fret about Shoprite leaving. “The undue tension about Shoprite leaving our country should be doused with the fact that the management of Shoprite has failed.

“It has nothing to to do with the government. Spar, Justrite, Next Cash and Carry are all functioning and performing well. Our jobs secured,” she wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ngoamazing2009/status/1290218430621155330?s=19

https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/08/shoprite-not-shutting-down-store-manager/

So a common store manager should be taken seriously..The store manager clearly doesn't know his pay grade

Those who have blamed / cursed Buhari already will avoid this thread

I think they're just broke and can no longer afford to sustain all their international centres due to the decline in patronage occasioned by the pandemic.

Otherwise why will they suddenly now decide that Nigeria is too challenging to do business, a country they've been flourishing for almost 20yrs now.

If it's because of the xenophobic attacks as some are saying, then good riddance. They are the undisputed kings of xenophobia.

I don't understand the fuss behind this shoprite. Please where are the likes of Mr. Biggs, Chicken republic even ostrich. This shoprite has been struggling for quite sometimes now and it is the last thing we need right now considering the circumstance. There are plans already in place to bounce back our economy and we don't need any struggling business to realise that. I am not being Carlos here rather, I am just a Nigerian who want something good for his nation. I don't know about you.