Shoprite, Nigeria’s once-dominant retail chain, is battling to stay afloat just four years after its former South African owner exited the country.
Checks across major outlets show near-empty shelves and multiple closures, a sharp contrast to the supermarket giant’s heyday when it revolutionised Nigeria’s shopping culture.
As of press time, the Ilorin and Ibadan branches have completely shut down, while stores in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities are struggling with scanty stock.
Since its debut in Lagos in 2005, Shoprite expanded to at least 25 outlets across eight states and the FCT, employing thousands and boosting local suppliers. But rising inflation, supply chain breakdowns, and harsh business costs have crippled its operations.
In 2021, South Africa’s Shoprite Holdings sold its Nigerian arm to a consortium of local investors, converting it into a franchise. At the time, then-CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said: “We are at the approval stage in terms of the sale of our Nigeria supermarket operation. From here, our capital allocated to the region remains at a minimum and we continue to manage costs as best as we can.”
But since the takeover, the situation has only worsened. In January 2024, Shoprite shut its Kano store at Ado Bayero Mall over unpaid rent reportedly pegged at ₦66 million monthly, excluding electricity, maintenance, and staffing.
The vacant space was quickly taken over by Nine (N9ne), a Kano-based retailer, and Bedmate Furniture.
Now, with stores in Ibadan and Ilorin gone and shelves in Lagos and Abuja nearly bare, Shoprite’s once-strong Nigerian footprint appears to be shrinking into extinction.
Daily Trust
