More Trade Centres convert to Metro Hyper Stores

These offer South African consumers the hybrid store concept that will bridge the gap between the retail and wholesale markets, as consumers will no longer require a trade card to make purchases.

"The new stores will deliver trade shopping to all - offering groceries and liquor in single items for individual homeowners to bulk-buys for those in the trade," explained Peter Dodson, Metcash CEO.

Products in each store will be packaged in singles for individuals, shrinks for hawkers and spaza shop owners and bulk for traders. Stores will also include tenants offering other goods and services, providing an all-in-one shopping experience. To date, Metcash has signed up Fruit and Veg Food Lovers Markets, Buildmart, NeoClassic Decor and Crazy Plastic as in-store tenants in some of the Hypers, with more expected to follow.

The establishment of new stores form part of the group's progressive restructuring plans, announced earlier this year and provides the company with access to a broader consumer market.