Pick n Pay opens in Mauritius

According to Pick n Pay's head of group enterprises, Dallas Langman, the first Mauritian store is approximately 4000m² and would offer over 16000 different products including a clothing offering.

"Based on our comprehensive research and assessment, Mauritius has one of the most successful and competitive economies in Africa, providing further impetus for our investment into the country.

"Naturally, one of the main benefits to the local economy will be employment and the first store will employ approximately 100 local residents. The employment figure is set to grow as the company grows its store numbers in Mauritius," said Langman.

Franchise strategy

"Pick n Pay's strategy into Africa has mainly been through partnering with locals and the franchise route where local experts own the franchise in their own communities. However, there are instances such as with stores in Zambia, where the company will develop corporate-owned stores. The Mauritian stores will be run by franchisees and will be a significant draw-card through its offering of an appealing array of products to Mauritian residents and tourists.

"Finding local suppliers and entrepreneurs requires determination and effort but it is integral to our model. It is our intention to ensure that local farmers and suppliers are supported as much as possible in order to stimulate further economic growth in Mauritius," Langman said

Pick n Pay's expansion into Mauritius follows its first store opening in Mozambique in June and its second store opening in Zambia in March. The company also conducts retail operations in Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho and plans to open stores in Malawi and Angola in the future. Last year, the group also announced the purchase of a further 24% of Zimbabwean operation TM Supermarkets, increasing its shareholding to 49%.