SOUTH AFRICA – Pick n Pay, supermarket chain store in South Africa has opened the refurbished-On Nicol store, in Johannesburg, strengthening the retailer’s Next Generation store concept aiming to attract more affluent consumers as retailers fight for market share intensifies.

According to iol business report, its rival Shoprite has also introduced new FreshX concept stores to attract more affluent consumers as retailers compete with Woolworths.

“The extensive upgrade at On Nicol strengthens the retailer’s Next Generation store concept with a strong emphasis on fresh food and convenience to create a unique food solution for customers under one roof, ” it said in a statement.

Three-quarters of the supermarket estate -123 stores- were now in the New Generation format, according to Pick n Pay in its results for the end year to March 3.

The “Next Generation” stores are world-class supermarkets that reflect the real progress the group has made across the business over the last few years – bringing together improvements in store design, space allocation, product range, store operations, labour efficiency, technology and customer service.

The refurbished store has an exciting array of new offerings with the very best in retail concepts developed in South Africa and from around the world.

“Customers can expect an enhanced fresh food experience, a huge focus on product quality, a much-improved range, innovative third-party services and refreshed customer service.” It stated.

The store carries a wider variety of handpicked products making it easier for customers to make healthier choices, with LiveWell labels to its new own brand range.

New speciality areas have been added to include a freshly squeezed juice offering, a chocolatier and a dedicated coffee station with a signature Organic Coffee blend.

The retailer has partnered with local, bean-to-bar chocolatier, CocoaFair, to showcase and sell their world-class chocolates that are produced using beans sourced directly from farmers and hand packaged by communities.

It said for wine lovers, a new wine cellar featured a tasting table to sample local wines, with a wine adviser on hand.

Beer enthusiasts can get freshly poured draught craft beer from the liquor store’s new Growler bar to enjoy at home.

It’s also offering a new Wellness Zone with a PnP pharmacy featuring a full range of clinic services from the MyLife Healthcare Centre.

The store also has a dedicated plastic and packaging-free fresh produce zone. In addition to that it has extended its Nude Wall offering to include 12 new seasonal loose PnP fruit and vegetables. Bringing the total nude offering to 24 products.