Shoprite Nigeria denies exit rumours, pledges bold reset with 80% local sourcing to survive economic pressures and reassure customers

The retail giant, operated by Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), admitted that some stores had empty shelves and a few branches had closed temporarily, but stressed that this was part of a wider restructuring plan rather than an exit strategy.

Also read: Shoprite Clarifies Nigeria Exit Rumours, Begins Reset

Bunmi Adeleye, RSNL’s Chief Strategy Officer, explained: “This is not a collapse; it is a reset. We are working to make Shoprite more affordable, more Nigerian, and stronger than before.

With support from new investors, we will come back better for our customers.”

The company revealed that about 80 per cent of the products on its shelves are now sourced locally, a shift away from the heavy reliance on imports.

This change is intended to shield Shoprite Nigeria from inflation, currency volatility and the spiralling cost of bringing in foreign goods.

The clarification followed reports of store closures in Ilorin and Ibadan, while customers at the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos also complained of missing groceries and wines.

Shoprite Nigeria has struggled since its South African owners divested in 2021, with rising costs, competition from local and online retailers, and foreign exchange challenges squeezing margins.

Management, however, assured shoppers that the situation will improve once its annual financial audit is completed. “By God’s grace, we will restock by the end of September,” one manager said.

Since entering the Nigerian market in 2005, Shoprite has directly employed more than 2,000 people and provided vital opportunities for local farmers and suppliers.

The retailer pledged to continue playing this role while reshaping its model to survive the economic storm.

For many loyal customers, the reassurance from Shoprite Nigeria offers relief and renewed hope that the supermarket chain remains committed to serving them.