Vivo Energy Namibia, the marketer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, launched its latest partnership in convenience retail innovation last Thursday with the opening of the first FreshStop shop at the Highway Shell service station in Ongwediva in the Oshana region.
Highway Shell service station now boasts the first of a number of sites where Vivo Energy Namibia will open FreshStop shops, increasing customer experiences and bringing to fruition one of Namibia’s latest in innovative retail partnerships. The new store, which will be trading 24 hours and seven days a week, features a variety of departments and products which focus on the ever-increasing, time-conscious demands of consumers, complemented by stylish and modern interiors to provide a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Since 2012, Vivo Energy Namibia has grown its retail network of Shell service stations in the country, and responded to the increasing demands of its customers by enhancing its convenience retail offering. Catering to the more discerning shopper, the company now operates 73 service stations countrywide, with a variety of non-fuel retail offers and food alliances that include KFC restaurants, Spur Grill & Go, Spar Express concepts, Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn.
Speaking at the official launch, Vivo Energy Namibia managing director Edward Walugembe emphasised the customer-centred focus of the Vivo Energy and FreshStop partnership. “We are excited by the fact that the FreshStop brand is young, innovative, new and exciting. The time is certainly right for our quality fuels and lubricants’ brand that is sold at over 70 Shell service stations countrywide to be supplemented by an equally attractive convenience offer. We believe the quality produce and wholesome image of FreshStop fits well with the clean, safe and reliable Shell brand’, he stated.
“We are pleased to have directly contributed to the improvement in the socio-economic profile of Ongwediva town with over 60 direct jobs created for Namibians at the Highway Shell forecourt, FreshStop and the recently-opened KFC restaurant”, Walugembe added.
Charles Beukes, Operations Manager at FreshStop, remarked on the growth potential of the partnership, with emphasis on consumer benefits. “The focus on providing customers with a healthy offering is very important to us. Health and sustainability have become even more important as ease, time and space-efficient offerings blend with on-the-go lifestyles. FreshStop is proud to align itself with the Shell brand, and we are looking forward to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership,” he noted.