Botswana Stock Exchange-listed Choppies has announced plans to open 35 additional stores in Namibia over the next five years, expanding its current chain of 15 local stores.
The retailer opened its newest store in Donkerhoek, Windhoek, on Thursday.
If all goes according to plan, the targeted expansion will increase the total number of retail stores in Namibia to 50. Later this year, the supermarket chain will open two more shops in Oshakati, and one each in Mondesa, Okakarara, and Nkurenkuru.
“Our aim is to open seven shops each year. We have a plan in place to establish our presence in areas where we are currently not present. At present, we have 15 operating shops, including the latest one in Donkerhoek. Therefore, we will work towards achieving the remaining 35 stores to reach our target of 50,” said Choppies Country Manager Deon Bauermeister.
Choppies stated that it has provided employment opportunities to 688 locals since its debut in Namibia in 2017 when it opened its first shop in Omuthiya.
“This remarkable addition marks the company’s 15th store in Namibia, further demonstrating its commitment to offering convenient and affordable shopping options to customers nationwide. Choppies Value store in Donkerhoek will introduce a unique retail experience to the residents of Donkerhoek and the surrounding area,” added Bauermeister.
In its early years of operation in Namibia, Choppies faced a labor dispute regarding employee benefits and the use of labor hire companies. However, according to Bauermeister, the supermarkets no longer engage with third parties.
“We have discontinued that practice. We now directly employ all our staff, and those who were employed through third parties have been converted from contract to permanent positions. Therefore, we no longer face such challenges. In fact, we are constantly in touch with labor unions to discuss ways to improve our employees’ welfare while sustaining the business,” he stated.
Additionally, Bauermeister emphasized that they have implemented an aggressive growth plan that enables employees to progress through the ranks, viewing Choppies not just as an employment opportunity but as a career path.
Choppies operates in 4 countries and has a network of 161 stores and nine distribution centres.
