Stationery retailer, PNA has announced the expansion of its operation into Namibia, with two flagship stores scheduled to open this month.
The stores to be operated under a franchise agreement, will be owned by Chris and Tana Van Der Merwe and located at Wernhil Shopping Centre and Maerua Mall.
“We successfully sourced and appointed a management team with vast experience in both the retail and stationery field and truly believe that with this team we will be able to exceed all expectations. All stakeholders went out of their way to accommodate and assist our teams in Windhoek. Namibia hospitality and friendliness really humbled me, bringing this endeavour even closer to our hearts. There is no doubt in my mind that the market is ready to welcome the PNA brand in Windhoek,” Chris van der Merwe said.
Herman Botha, PNA Group Marketing & Sales Executive said “Our business structure is tried and tested and works well, so our franchisees feel safe having robust resources at their disposal. We continually adapt operations to simplify communications and processes while boosting efficiency. Importantly, we really care about the people we work with and despite our exponential growth and expansion now into Namibia, we remain true to our core of family values.”
Both said the retailer will also make use of local suppliers for some of its products.
“With this exciting venture PNA IS creating employment opportunities in Namibia, and is also actively seeking opportunities to support local businesses and suppliers. We are committed to not only supplying a comprehensive range of products, our key strategy is to also support Namibian businesses.”
With 114 independent owner-run franchise stores in South Africa, the PNA group has grown from its humble beginnings in 1992 to become a reputable supplier of various stationary.
The opening of PNA comes as CNA closed some of its Namibian outlets citing viability concerns.
