The struggles of retail giant ShopRite in Nigeria appear to be deepening, as reports confirm the shutdown of its outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin, while remaining stores in Lagos and Abuja are being described as shadows of their former selves.
Shoppers have taken to social media to lament the state of the once-thriving supermarket chain, with several users posting images of empty shelves, poor product variety, and reduced customer traffic in key branches.
“ShopRite in my area now only sells bottled water. The shelves are bare,” a customer shared online, sparking a wave of reactions.
The decline follows ShopRite’s 2021 takeover by Ketron Investment Limited, a Nigerian conglomerate, after the South African parent company exited Nigeria citing harsh operating conditions, insecurity, and unfavorable policies.
Since then, the brand has faced stiff competition from local supermarkets such as Ebeano, Jendol, Spar, and Bokku, which are closer to residential areas and often offer competitive prices.
While some analysts blame ShopRite’s fall on mismanagement under the new ownership, others point to Nigeria’s worsening economy — marked by inflation and declining purchasing power — as the key driver of its dwindling customer base.
The development is part of a wider retreat by ShopRite Holdings across Africa. The retail chain has already pulled out of ten countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt, in order to focus on its home market in South Africa.
For many Nigerians, however, the once-vibrant ShopRite experience has become a nostalgic memory, with its empty stores now serving as a stark reminder of the challenges facing big retail businesses in the country.
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