Shoprite ignores security threat, open outlet in Kano [image]

South African retail giant, Shoprite yesterday opened its first outlet in the northern region of the country despite the worsening security situation in the zone.

The opening of the store in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city and main commercial hub, is part of the company’s aggressive expansion drive.

The new venture, at a cost of $20m, brings to eight the number of Shoprite stores in Nigeria with the company set to open a further four before the end of the year.

Hundreds of upper- and middle-class Nigerians thronged the new $110m Ado Bayero Mall — which claims to be Nigeria’s biggest and has taken three years to construct — as it opened its doors.

Private security guards searched vehicles for weapons and explosives and armed police kept watch on shoppers.

“We decided to expand our reach to Kano as part of our commitment to widen our presence in the Nigerian mega cities,” said store manager Adulhakeem Abdulganiyu.

“Kano, as a commercial city with its huge population, provides ample business opportunity which we want to exploit,” he said.