One year after South African retail big, Shoprite, closed down most of its stores in Nigeria, the areas beforehand occupied by its outlets throughout main cities are regularly being taken over by new companies, with some places remaining locked or exhibiting indicators of decay, Daily Trust can report.
Shoprite, which operated in Nigeria for practically 20 years, exited the nation in 2021, citing the excessive value of operations and altering enterprise situations.
The retailer’s departure marked the top of an period for one among Nigeria’s most recognisable grocery store manufacturers, which had constructed a large buyer base since coming into the Nigerian market as a part of its Africa-wide enlargement technique.
Following the exit of the Shoprite Holdings of South Africa, the franchise was transferred to Ketron Investment Limited, an area investor group led by Persianas Investment.
However by 2024/2025, many of the outlets have been changing into just about empty, elevating fears concerning the dwindling fortunes of the retail big which bestrode Nigeria’s grocery market in its heyday.
By September 2025, many of the surviving outlets in Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja and Port Harcourt had closed down.
Following a report by Daily Trust, the new proprietor underneath the model identify, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL),issued an announcement claiming it has not shut down operations.
The agency mentioned it’s enterprise a complete enterprise mannequin reset to align with Nigeria’s financial realities.
“The former enterprise mannequin, inherited after the corporate’s acquisition, closely relied on giant retailer codecs, imports, and excessive overheads.
“This model is no longer viable in the face of Nigeria’s current economic climate, which includes exchange rate volatility, rising inflation, and constrained liquidity,” the assertion reads.
It careworn that the new enterprise mannequin was designed to turn out to be much less depending on imported merchandise, saying that 80 per cent of its merchandise are sourced within the nation.
It added that the new mannequin would stabilise operations and reposition the enterprise for long-term progress.
“This reset is built on several key pillars: local supply chains, with over 80% of products now sourced in Nigeria,” the assertion reads.
However one year after, visits to a few of its former places by Daily Trust revealed totally different developments, with new retail outlets taking over a few of the areas whereas others stay largely inactive.
In Abuja, the previous Shoprite area at Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, has been taken over by SPAR Market Nigeria, which has expanded its retail presence within the Federal Capital Territory with the opening of a new hypermarket.
At the Gateway Mall alongside the Airport Road, additionally close to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one other retailer, Market Square, has taken over the previous Shoprite area as noticed by one among our correspondents.
The growth highlights the altering face of Nigeria’s retail market, as native and different worldwide operators search to fill areas left behind by main manufacturers which have both exited the market or scaled down their operations.
Ikeja outlets exchange Shoprite
In Ikeja, Lagos, the actions of new outlets have largely overshadowed the previous presence of Shoprite, as companies now occupy the area beforehand related to the retail chain.
The new companies supply a wide range of services, together with clothes, sneakers, eating places and pictures providers, attracting prospects to the premises.
However, the state of affairs on the former Shoprite location in Surulere presents a pointy distinction to Ikeja.
The premises have a comparatively subdued environment, with some indicators of neglect noticeable across the facility.
A go to to the situation confirmed that though companies are nonetheless working from elements of the premises, the setting seems stuffy and fewer vibrant in contrast with the extra lively retail places.
The tiles appeared unkempt whereas the lighting was additionally not as vivid, giving the premises a considerably rundown look.
Ilorin area taken over
In Ilorin, Kwara State, practically one year after Shoprite stopped operations at its outlet, the area has additionally been taken over by one other enterprise.
Checks on the premises confirmed that the previous Shoprite part had been acquired by Sinomat, a Chinese retail enterprise that has commenced operations from the situation. The similar Sinomat has taken over the Shoprite area in Ibadan Mall alongside Ring Road as noticed by one among our correspondents.
Other companies within the complicated stay lively, with tenants occupying varied areas and providing totally different items and providers.
A supply conversant in actions on the complicated confirmed that Sinomart had taken over the previous Shoprite area.
“Sinomart has rented the place because Shoprite is not coming back,” the supply mentioned.
The supply described Sinomart as a Chinese mall promoting a variety of Chinese gadgets and groceries.
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