lundi 3 novembre 2008

South Africa's biggest single brand store network, PEP, opens in Angola

South Africa's biggest single brand store network, PEP, is extending its southern African store footprint into Angola and is making a major investment in Africa's fastest growing country. On 31 October 2008, PEP opens its first store in Lobito, central Angola. The group has also established a 2 000 m² distribution centre in Benguela.

In addition to the Lobito store, the group plans to open more stores in Namibe, Benguela, Sumbe and Lubango within the next year. The group's Angolan operation will initially provide new jobs for around 70 people.

As part of its commitment to and investment in this new market, the group has opened a dedicated distribution centre (DC). “We chose Benguela as the location for our DC as this is central to our store expansion programme and essential to our logistical needs,” says the group's Africa General Manager, Willie Jacobs.

“We believe that our product offering of value for money and functionality is right for the Angolan market. According to our research, affordable clothing and products are the most important factors for Angolan customers,” he adds.

The group's new general manager in Angola is Gerrie Scheepers, who is fluent in Portuguese and brings extensive and relevant experience having been general manager of the group's successful Mozambique operation for the past five years.

With the launch of its first store in Angola, PEP now operates in 11 southern African countries. PEP Africa has been operating for 10 years and has 38 stores in Zambia, 22 in Malawi and 30 in Mozambique. The balance of the group's 1310 stores are in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and (through Power sales) in Zimbabwe.

[30 Oct 2008 / Bizcommunity]