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Otjiwarongo Pick n Pay to close its doors

Otjiwarongo Pick n Pay to close its doors

Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group this week announced the closure of its PnP Otjiwarongo store, scheduled for 30 April.

The PnP Otjiwarongo store has been in operation, and served the Otjiwarongo community for more than 16 years, and is forced by a developmental announcement by the property owner of the building in which it currently operates, to close doors until further notice.

According to the Managing Director (MD) of PnP Namibia, Norbert Wurm, the closure comes as a result of the announced revamp of the current Pick n Pay centre which will kick off in April, and will, according to the property owner last for at least half a year.

Wurm said, “Following the announcement by the Property-owner of the planned renovations and construction of the shopping centre, and taking into consideration the safety of our employees and customers coupled with the shopping experience, Pick n Pay was left with no other option, but to close the store for the foreseeable future until such time construction is completed – the date of which is undetermined at this stage.”

With regards to the current 75 employees at PnP Otjiwarongo, Wurm advised that the company has taken the necessary measures to minimize the repercussions of this decision on the lives of the employees

“These will include absorbing and transferring staff into current and suitable vacancies within Pick n Pay, amongst others. Staff will also be offered retrenchment packages while they will also be advised of any future vacancies for which the affected parties are required to follow the standard job application process,” he said.

Furthermore he said that in line with its vision of being the most progressive and inspiring company and creating amazing customer experiences, he is confident that the closure of the PnP Otjiwarongo store gives the retailer the opportunity to explore future investments to grow and expand its footprint in the country while continuing the journey to uplift the communities in which it operates.

“We are passionate about the future of our beautiful country and remain committed to contribute to the goals and ideals of the Harambee Prosperity Plan and that of Vision 2030 by uplifting the lives of Namibians,” he added.

Wurm said that PnP will continue to add value to the local economy through upgrading current stores, expanding its footprint throughout the country and in so doing addressing the unemployment challenge.

“The recent relocation of the Oshikango store confirms our commitment to upgrading our customer-experience and delivering quality to our consumer while consumers can also look forward to the opening of a new Pick n Pay store at the new Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay this year,” he said.

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