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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
PICK n Pay officially opened its eighth branded supermarket at the former TM Hyper in Bulawayo yesterday as the company seeks to intensify its expansion in the country.
TM Supermarkets is part of the retail arm of Meikles Limited, a listed concern on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
Pick n Pay and Meikles Limited have shareholding in TM Supermarkets with the latter having a 51 percent controlling stake while the South African retail giant owns 49 percent.
Pick n Pay managing director, Dharmalingum Dass, said the opening of the new supermarket had created employment in the city.
“The opening of this supermarket is going to offer the Bulawayo community products that give them value for their money.
“We’re employing 50 more people, 35 permanently and 15 on contracts,” said Dass, adding that more than $2 million was injected into the refurbishment process.
“Just over $2 million has been invested in the refurbishment of TM Hyper into Pick n Pay,” he said.
Dass said Pick n Pay, unlike many supermarkets, offers a wide range of products under one roof.
“Pick n Pay encompasses the supermarket, fresh foods section, hot foods section which has a sit down facility, liquor section, a state-of-the-art butchery and clothing section. We offer a wide variety of products, one is able to get everything they desire under one roof,” said Dass.
He said plans to open two more Pick n Pay supermarkets in Bulawayo were underway.
“Plans to open more supermarkets are underway. However, these are long term plans, maybe in about two years from now,” Dass said.
Enthusiastic consumers flocked the newly opened branch yesterday.
“Am very happy about the opening of Pick n Pay. Now we’re able to get everything we need under one roof which makes it more convenient,” said Sipho Pholi, a shopper at the supermarket.
Pick n Pay is set to open more branches as the group seeks to consolidate its market share in Zimbabwe.
The retail chain also has supermarkets in Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi.
Online Reporter