Shoprite Mall becomes propaganda tool for Nigerian Politician.

It is no longer uncommon for Nigerian state governors or local politicians to site the establishment of modern Shoprite Malls in their respective state capitals or important towns/cities as signs of development and achievement by incumbent administrators.

As a matter of fact, most Nigerian residents feel that their respective towns or cities ‘have arrived’ once a Shoprite Mall Berths.

                       

South Africa's Shoprite has about eight outlets across Nigeria with many more still under construction. Several months ago there was a viral report from Shoprite's headquarters which indicated that Nigeria's then seven Shoprite outlets sold more Moet and Chandon exotic drinks than South Africa's six hundred outlets. Clearly, Nigeria’s growing middle class is not a myth even though her growing ‘poverty class’ is also more of a stark reality-both classes are growing simultaneously.

Nigerians (both rich and poor) have developed a huge taste for large shopping malls with modern retail outlets. To some it’s a very convenient way of shopping at relatively low prices (or so they think), to others it’s a class thing-why shop in open air street markets with loud noises, rowdy environment and endless haggling?  

                    

To the poor Nigerian, visiting a large modern shopping mall can also be a worthwhile experience; window shopping offers him/her an escape from the harsh realities of everyday Nigerian life and of course the desperately poor amongst them still manage to beg some money out of the pockets of richer shoppers at the car park.

In all this, without meaning to sound protectionist, Nigeria Brand Police wonders why with the success of Shoprite in Nigeria over the last decade, we are yet to witness an influx or emergence of indigenous large retail brands that can give Shoprite a run for their money.

As Nigerian government officials go about spending huge resources to invite/attract/establish Shoprite Malls in various Nigerian towns and cities, how about encouraging Nigerian investors to also create and build a viable Nigerian owned large retail brand?