Having operated 1166 corporate and 270 franchise food retailer outlets across the globe, including Nigeria; suppliers, distributors and entrepreneurs have described the coming of Shoprite to the country as a big boost to the activities of the Small and Medium Enterprises industry, particularly farmers.
Stakeholders agree that the company’s decision to tap their goods and resources locally has helped the much-neglected small and medium enterprise particularly those in the agriculture sub-sector of the economy.

Mrs. Margaret Udoh, a supplier of frozen sea foods, said: “I have come to know Shoprite as one company that stands for integrity. I approached the managers and they gave me the attention. I had never done large scale supplies before and they patiently encouraged me, today I have grown from a one-man business to an employer of labour.”

Michael Obienyem of Hunts Products, a distributor of toiletries, cereals and liquors, hailed the standard of business relationship existing in Shoprite. “They have got the potential to remain a force to be reckoned with in the retailing business in Nigeria because of their openness and insistence on quality,” he said.

They both harped on the quality of service that the store has continued to churn out since its debut in the nation’s market, while also commending the payment policy of the group.

The management of Shoprite supermarket has also expressed its gladness to be associated with the local suppliers. It is on record that the company purchases groceries and perishables from an average of 140 listed local suppliers monthly, making it one of the largest distributors of made-in-Nigeria products.

According to Mrs Udoh, the supermarket retailer has been successful due to its strict adherence to quality, the mode of payment, and the elimination of the favouritism syndrome. “My bankers can testify to the fact that Shoprite has never owed my company or delayed in payment,” she said.