Retail giant OK Zimbabwe is set to reopen its Entumbane branch, which was closed earlier this year, and will transform it into a wholesale operation with reduced operational costs.
During the third quarter ending December 31, 2024, the retailer faced stock shortages, with product availability dropping to about 50% of its usual levels. This issue was attributed to the challenging trading environment and financial constraints.
OK Zimbabwe, the country’s largest retail chain with 67 branches, expressed that these challenges impacted its ability to maintain regular stock levels. Group company secretary Mrs. Margaret Munyuru recently shared with a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, during their visit to the Entumbane shopping complex, that the company was reversing its earlier decision to close the branch. However, the site will no longer operate as a retail outlet, but will instead be converted into a wholesale business.
“We are happy to announce that, with support from the Bulawayo City Council, we have decided to reopen the OK Entumbane branch, though it will now function as a wholesale facility,” Mrs. Munyuru explained. “The city council has assured us of their support in obtaining a wholesale license, enabling us to shift from a traditional supermarket model to a more cost-effective wholesale operation.”
The company plans to evaluate the entire estate to find innovative ways to enhance and reconfigure the premises to revitalize the business, make it more relevant, and boost customer demand. Mrs. Munyuru also updated the committee that the company is in the process of restocking its shelves, which had been affected by supply chain issues earlier.
“We’ve already started replenishing our stock. Just a few weeks ago, products like Mazoe were unavailable, but now the shelves are gradually filling up,” she said.
OK Zimbabwe has also brought back former CEO Willard Zireva to steer the company through its operational difficulties, following the closure of five branches and the departure of three senior executives.
In the Entumbane area, the news of the supermarket’s reopening, albeit as a wholesale business, has been welcomed by the community. Local residents highlighted that the supermarket’s presence in the area had been valuable, reducing their need to travel to the central business district for services and shopping. One resident, Edington Virimayi from Makhandeni B, shared that the closure had caused inconvenience for the community, especially as they previously used the branch for money transfers and to purchase affordable groceries.
“The closure affected us a lot; we had to travel to town for basic services that OK used to provide, including money transfers and paying bills,” Mr. Virimayi said. “OK used to have better prices and accepted both US dollars and ZiG, making shopping easier. We hope the company will reconsider their decision and bring back more services to the community.”
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