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BULAWAYO’s first liquor wholesale centre, owned by business mogul Raj Modi, is set to open next week.
The former retail tycoon has poured nearly $1 million into the new venture after he quit Choppies Zimbabwe, where he worked as managing director.
Modi, 56, sold his entire Sai Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd business, which ran several Spar supermarkets, to Choppies.
After severing ties with the Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s family run Choppies last October he set up Pintail Trading, which will be trading as Wholesale Centre Liquor Hub in the Bulawayo central business district.
“We’re busy with preparations and expect to open the wholesale on 14 February. We hope everything will be ready by then,” said Modi.
He said the new business will be dealing in Pepsi products and local beverages and would create jobs for about 100 people for a start. “This is going to be a one stop global brand shop that will also sell imported lager and spirits. I’m confident this idea will work, remember I’ve been into retail business before, at Bellevue. Consumers would like the idea and with time I’ll expand beyond Bulawayo,” said Modi.
The new business will be housed at No 58 along Fife Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues.
Workers have been busy this week putting final touches on the large warehouse with tills and metal shelves also being installed.
Modi is among the city’s most successful businesspersons who believe Bulawayo is a good investment destination for serious entrepreneurs.
He assured clients of a reliable supply of products once his shop opens its doors saying arrangements for supply of Pepsi products from Zambia have been finalised.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter