adminThe supermarket closed three branches in the western suburbs and one in the city centre, making 40 employees jobless. The chain had 10 outlets in the city and rose to prominence at the height of economic challenges when established supermarkets failed to stock basics.
The public relations officer of Ocean Marketing, which owns Tasha’s Supermarkets, Mr Joseph Ncube, said the supermarket was now branching into milling and bread making.
He said four supermarkets stopped operating on Tuesday.
Mr Ncube cited stiff competition from other players in the industry and liquidity challenges faced by consumers as the main reason for restructuring.
“We were one of the first to import food-stuffs from South Africa during the hyper-inflation period between 2007 and 2010.
With dollarisation, other players like OK, TM and Greens came in and upped the competition,” he said.
“This resulted in four of our shops not performing well and this was the reason for their closure,” he said.
The general manager of Tashas, Mr Ronald Phiri, said the closed branches were in Mzilikazi, Entumbane, Old Magwegwe and 10th Ave in the city centre.
“The remaining outlets are in Emganwini, Pelandaba, Pumula, Lobengula, Fife Street and Herbert Chitepo Street in the city centre,” he said.
Mr Phiri said they had a running milling plant at Belmont that was producing the Oceans Brand mealie-meal, adding that next month, a bakery would start operating.
He said some of the employees in the closed shops would be absorbed by the new entities.
“The restructuring will help the organisation increase profits and also to strengthen the brand. About 40 employees will be affected,” he said.
Mr Phiri said the affected employees would be given some packages and will be given three-months’ salary.
“We will give the employees packages and they will be paid for the next three months,” he said.
Online Reporter