This is not an advertorial or a sponsored post but something that should be celebrated. After 502 days, the Makro in Pietermaritzburg is set to open its doors again.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (13 October 2022) – The unrest in July 2021 caused widespread looting and rioting, and the Makro in Pietermaritzburg was one of the stores targeted. The photos were harrowing – the Campsdrift Park store was left in ruins and it felt like all hope was lost.
Makro reported that it would cost around R2.5 billion to replace lost stock and repair the properties in Pietermaritzburg and Durban damaged during the unrest. The company estimated that it would suffer an accounting loss of about R650 million even after receiving an insurance payout from Sasria.
But now, almost a year and a half after the riots started, Makro Pietermaritzburg has announced plans to welcome its customers back on the 23rd of November, 2022. The retailer has completely rebuilt its new store with what it calls “a new customer shopping experience”.
The local retail sector represents almost 14% of South Africa’s total GDP and nearly a million people are employed in many stores throughout the country – yet the industry has undergone the most challenging economic conditions between 2021 and 2022.
“Most of the brand’s CSR efforts have gone into collaborating with key stakeholders to re-build KZN not only for businesses but for the communities that keep these businesses open. Our Early Childhood Development partner – Hope Worldwide is currently assessing the suitability of enrolling an ECD centre near the store to help cater for the community’s children. Our holding company, Massmart, also played a key role during the floods that affected the larger KZN community earlier this year with donations of non-perishable food, personal care items and approximately 35 tonnes of bottled water for distribution to those displaced by the downpours.” Strini Naidoo, Makro General Sales Manager
The store promises to showcase a variety of changes for the customers with the addition of a butchery, Fresh produce sections, and an extended range of general merchandise. The 12,000 square metres store will also boast the retail giant’s newly introduced e-commerce pick-up department and express check-out.
“Makro has been working collaboratively with our building partners to ensure that we turn things around within the set times and open the store on the 23rd of November 2022; our on-site teams have made exceptional progress from breaking ground to making sure that all the enhancements are added with great care.” Added Naidoo
Customer safety is at the forefront of the plans going forward with a stronger committed presence from SAPS, the Traffic Department and Fidelity Security Services.
“Pietermaritzburg, get ready! Keep on the lookout for more details closer to the date.” Concludes Naidoo
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