Companies
Carrefour acquires six Shoprite stores in Uganda
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
A Carrefour assistant at the new store in Naalya, Kampala on March 16, 2021. PHOTO | POOL
The Carrefour supermarket chain will take over six stores in Uganda currently operated by the South African Shoprite, which will exit that market at the end of the year.
The six stores are located at Acacia Mall, Village Mall, Victoria Mall, Lugogo Mall, Clock Tower, and Arena Mall.
The transaction will further expand the regional presence of Carrefour, whose franchise belongs to the Dubai-based multinational Majid Al Futtaim.
Under the lease, Carrefour will take over the stores and mobile assets of Shoprite Checkers Uganda Limited.
“We welcome the opportunity to bring our unique Carrefour offering of unbeatable international value, rank and standards to more customers in Uganda,” said Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, in a statement.
“This agreement represents our continued investment in East Africa. We hope to strengthen our offering in the region and support local talent through job opportunities and professional development. “
Shoprite’s imminent departure from Uganda follows the recent closure of its stores in Kenya, with the multinational reducing its operations outside of South Africa.
Majid Al Futtaim currently operates two Carrefour brand stores in Uganda and the agreement with Shoprite will increase its operations in that market to eight branches.
The parties said they will work to ensure a smooth transition of stores and operations.
Carrefour has also expanded into the Kenyan market, where it is now a leading retailer alongside Naivas.