daniel chigunwe
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
OK Zimbabwe Limited, yesterday launched the 2024 edition of the OK Grand Challenge with US$1 million worth of prizes up for grabs.
Launched at OK Mart Hillside, Harare, this year’s promotion is supported by over 40 local household brands.
Over 50 vehicles are up for grabs and a Ford Ranger XLT double cab will be the grand prize.
Lucky shoppers will be able to enter the competition by spending at least US$10 in any OK Store or US$100 in any OK Mart.
All the eight OK Mart stores will participate in this year’s edition while each one will give away a Hyundai H100 utility vehicle.
OK Mart is an integral part of OK Zimbabwe Limited, accounting for more than 20 percent of the group’s total turnover.
According to OK, adding OK Mart to the list of shops involved in the competition is expected to enlarge the competition while enhancing the competition’s size.
The OK Grand Challenge is the biggest and longest-running retail promotion in Zimbabwe, having been launched in 1988, however, the group skipped the 2020 edition owing to the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s edition is the 36th and runs from April 3, 2024 to 8 June 2024.
Speaking at the launch of the annual promotion, OK Zimbabwe’s supply chain director Mr Knox Mupaya lauded the suppliers for continued support towards the annual promotion.
He said the group’s ability to mobilise prizes worth US$1 million in a tough year for retail reflected how the group was determined to satisfy its customers.
“Our commitment to making happiness tangible to our shoppers is brought into sharp focus through iconic promotions such as the OK Grand Challenge.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response of our supplier partners in their eagerness to participate in this year’s competition regardless of the challenges that we faced in the past two promotions and the challenges we currently face in our operating environment.
“I think it speaks to the partnership that we have with manufacturers in our country and the heritage that this promotion has in our country as well,” said Mr Mupaya.
He said the inclusion of OK Mart would drive more volume as it was intended to speak to other market segments that traditionally have not been included in the Grand Challenge which include corporates, schools, government departments, and traders within our economy.
OK Zimbabwe board chairman, Mr Herbert Nkala said the group would continue to take pride in providing customers with the best shopping experience and rewarding them for their loyalty.
“This promotion is not just about winning prizes, it is about creating moments of excitement and happiness for our customers. It is about celebrating the loyalty and trust in our brand and giving back to you in a meaningful and memorable way.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our supplier partners for their continued support and the trust they impose in our care. This year, over 40 suppliers have chosen to partner with us in delivering happiness to the millions of customers that patronize our stores,” said Mr Nkala.
OK Zimbabwe Marketing Director, Stanley Meck spoke to the theme and its significance to the retailer.
“As OK, our tagline for the OK Grand Challenge, Where the Nation Shops and Saves is a nod to our historical root strength, which is delivering full value to Zimbabweans wherever they are,” said Mr Meck.
With a network of over 73 stores, including 52 OK shops, nine Bon Marche outlets, eight OK Mart stores, and a standalone liquor store, OK Zimbabwe is the country’s largest and most diversified retailer with over 82 years of trading experience.
OK Grand Challenge has grown to become one of the largest promotions not only in Zimbabwe but also within the region.
Just like tradition, the promotional period will be concluded by a prestigious horse race in June.
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