RETAILER Pick n Pay at the Pick n Pay Centre, Walvis Bay, closed its doors on Wednesday, citing a business realignment strategy, unrelated to Covid-19.
A statement released by owner Ohlthaver & List Group on Thursday explained “a decision was taken to close that store as the current economic climate in the Erongo region unfortunately does not allow us to operate three stores in the region as it duplicates already high operating expenses, including extremely high utility costs in comparison to the rest of Namibia.”
A total of 37 employees of the Pick n Pay Centre branch (formerly Seagulls Mall) were retrenched and others relocated.
Two Pick n Pay branches remain open in the Erongo region; one at the Dunes Mall at Walvis Bay and another at Swakopmund. O&L Group corporate communications manager Roux-che Locke assured that no further Pick n Pay branch closures in Erongo were planned.
O&L emphasised that the branch closure was not based on the Covid-19 state of emergency.
The statement follows a recent article in local media on Pick n Pay’s future, namely the sponsorship of its annual Pick n Pay Cycle Classic event.
Locke refuted the article, saying: “This is totally incorrect and misleading as the report was unfortunately misconstrued, creating a factually incorrect and negative perception of Pick n Pay and the O&L Group. In fact, we would like to assure you that we are passionately and aggressively committed to our Purpose: ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’.”
The statement also noted that job security for employees remains a priority for the group.
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