Ado Bayero Mall, located in the historic city of Kano, has expressed its regret over Shoprite’s decision to cease operations in the city effective January 2024. However, the Mall management assured the public of ongoing discussions with other retail outlets to fill the space vacated by Shoprite.
In a statement signed by the Mall’s director, Ike Okeke, and seen by LEADERSHIP on Saturday, it was noted that the decision by Shoprite to exit Kano was based on the challenging economic situation prevalent in the country. Over the past decade, the Mall has maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with Shoprite, providing support and a conducive environment for business growth.
Okeke clarified that the Mall does not interfere in the business operations or investment decisions of its tenants, asserting that these decisions solely rest with the tenants themselves. He highlighted that in the global retail landscape, tenant turnover is a common occurrence, influenced by the objectives and strategies of the enterprise owners.
He said, “We note with regret, the decision of the management of Shoprite to end its operations in Kano effective January 2024 stating the current challenging economic situation in the country as its reason.
“Over the 10 years that the company operated out of the premium Ado Bayero Mall in Kano, we have enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship and always extended to them the famed social and business-building support all tenants in the mall enjoy.”
While expressing well-wishes for Shoprite’s future endeavours, Okeke assured shoppers, customers, and the people of Kano that discussions were underway with new major retail chains to occupy the vacated space.
He pledged that the Mall remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a top-notch shopping experience to the residents of Kano.
“While we wish Shoprite the best in their future endeavours, we wish to assure the shoppers and customers of the mall as well as the good people of Kano, that new major retail chains are in discussions with us to take spaces within the mall and these will be announced in the not distant future. Our commitment to providing the best global quality shopping experience to the people of Kano remains unshaken.”
