By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), operator of the Shoprite Mall has announced the decision of the management to close down its Ado Bayero Mall Store, in Kano State from January 14, 2024.
A statement released on Thursday, dated December 7th, 2023, signed by Mubertus Rick for the company, said the decision to close the store was taken after careful evaluation of it’s financial situation and the current business climate.
In the circular, the supermarket noted that the decision is regrettable, however necessary, hinting that all the employees working at the mall will be laid off once it ceases operation in the state.
The statement read in parts, “I regret that our store in Ado Bayero Mall, Kano, will close its doors on January 14, 2024. This decision was not made lightly, as we understand the impact it may have on our employees and the community”.
“However, after careful evaluation of the financial situation of the store and the current business climate, we believe that it is the best cause of action for the long-term growth of our organization”.
“We understand that this news may be difficult to digest. We want to assure you that we are here to support you during this transitional period, your well-being is our top priority, and we will do everything we can to assist you in finding new opportunities within our company, we encourage you to apply for any vacant position in existing our store across the country through the Human Resources department,” the statement added.
However, the store hinted that it will be opening new branches in other parts of the country, noting that its employees in Kano can apply for jobs in those stores.
The recent development is coming on the heels of the current announcement by Jumia Food to stop operation in Nigeria and 6 other African countries by the end of this month, while also citing growing economic challenges.
Additionally, the Procter & Gamble (P&G), the world’s largest personnel care and household products company, makers of brands like Pampers, Gillette among others had earlier announced it’s plans to transition from local production to solely importing its peration in Nigeria.