NIGERIA – The Shoprite Group, a leading food and grocery retailer has opened a new world-class distribution centre (DC) in Lagos, Nigeria to improve its retail operations in the country.

The 4,700m² facility will be occupied by Freshmark, Shoprite’s fruit and vegetable procurement, buying and distribution arm while an additional 1180 m² will be used to house dry goods.

The facility which also includes a banana ripening room was developed through renovation of the existing property into a specialist facility that complies with the group’s high standards.

Shoprite promises to deliver everyday low prices and quality through investment in inits supply chain.

According to the company, the center allows small farmers and producers to deliver directly to Shoprite for ease of distribution and to further add value through re-packaging.

In July, the company opened its twenty-fifth store in Abuja Nigeria to offer more choices to customers in the region.

Shoprite stores feature a number of in-store fresh food departments including a Meat Market, Bakery and Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, with a range of quality products present.

It also runs an in-store kiosk equipped with a Quickteller will allow customers make monthly payments thus, ensuring convenience and also save time.

Shoprite entered Nigeria with the opening of its first store in Lagos in December 2005.

The retailer which boasts of a wide range of products, high standards of freshness and quality has a strong presence in Southern Nigeria where it has more than seven stores.

The group of companies has more than 2,843 outlets in 14 countries across Africa and the Indian Oceans islands, employing over 147 478 people.

The company focuses on price, affordability and accessibility, all drivers for its expansion strategy on the continent.

It has ramped up expansion with an eye on the African market having expanded its presence in East Africa with the Kenyan entry, Angola and Nigeria.

Shoprite reported a nominal turnover increase of 0.4% for the three months ended September impacted by difficult trading conditions.