The OL Group has announced the permanent closure of the Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek’s Northern Industrial Area, citing poor financial performance and a strategic decision to focus on the company’s core meat processing and distribution operations.
The outlet will cease operations on 15 July 2026 following a review of Hartlief’s business activities conducted over the past year.
According to the company, the assessment found that the Shop & Bistro operated outside Hartlief’s core business and had failed to achieve the level of financial sustainability required to support the group’s long-term growth strategy.
OL Group Executive Chairman and Hartlief Managing Director, Sven Thieme, said the closure forms part of a broader review of the group’s operations aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening returns.
“Over the past two years, we have undertaken a deliberate review of all our operating companies, assessing performance, alignment and long-term viability as we build towards Vision 2029. That work requires discipline and courage,” Thieme said.
He said closing the Shop & Bistro would enable the company to simplify operations, reduce overhead costs and redirect resources towards areas that generate stronger long-term value.
“Closing the Shop & Bistro allows us to simplify operations, reduce overheads and redirect resources to where they will have the greatest impact, thereby strengthening Hartlief’s core capabilities and ensuring we remain on the right path to deliver industry-standard returns,” he said.
The company said customers will continue to have access to Hartlief products through retail outlets across Namibia and at the Hartlief Hilltop deli in Kleine Kuppe.
Hartlief said the closure would not result in permanent job losses, with affected employees being considered for redeployment within the business where vacancies exist and skills match operational requirements.
“Where vacancies exist and skills align, we will prioritise redeployment within the Hartlief business. Where feasible, we will also consider reasonable short-term training or upskilling to support placement into available roles,” Thieme said.
The closure comes as the OL Group continues to streamline its portfolio and optimise operations as part of its Vision 2029 strategy.
