Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Wednesday officially opened the new Model store at Auas Valley in Windhoek, describing it as a milestone in Namibia’s retail sector.
The store, constituting a multi-million-dollar investment for parent company Olthaver & List (O&L), previously operated under the Pick n Pay franchise before being rebranded to Model this year.
The rebrand forms part of the O&L group’s wider strategy to introduce modern shopping solutions and raise the bar in customer service and employment standards.
Among the new features at the store is a robotic shopping assistant, the first of its kind in the country.
The robot is designed to guide customers through the aisles, help them find products and provide useful information, blending innovation with practical customer service.
Shoppers will benefit from self-checkout stations, another first for a Namibian retailer, which allows customers to scan and pay for their own goods, reducing waiting times at tills.
“The Model store shows how technology and innovation can improve everyday experiences for customers, while also creating new opportunities for growth and jobs,” said Witbooi.
The event marked the launch of the Auas Valley Model, a new initiative aimed at supporting economic growth, job creation and value addition in Namibia.
“O&L is setting new benchmarks not only in retail but also in how businesses can contribute to national development,” the Vice President remarked.
“The success of our country does not depend on one single person, but on each citizen. Each son and daughter of our soil must become a catalyst for development and change,” she said.
“Our national development plan requires absolute commitment by all stakeholders to deploy their capabilities to build the Namibia we want for ourselves and future generations,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Sven Thieme, O&L’s executive chairman, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the country’s national development goals.
He noted that the Auas Valley Model is designed to show how strong leadership from the private sector can drive meaningful change, create jobs and strengthen local industries.
Thieme said that O&L Group has been woven into the fabric of Namibian life since 1919, and Model specifically has been serving Namibian families for 60 years.
“Our 27-year journey as Pick n Pay brought international standards to Namibian retail, but today marks our homecoming – returning to our Model roots with renewed purpose, deeper understanding and a dedicated commitment to Namibian excellence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Graeme Mouton, managing director for Model, stated that the Auas Valley location is the first, fully revamped store.
However, over the next two years, O&L is expected to roll out this Model experience across all 18 locations across the country.
“Each store will reflect the same four key Model pillars, namely uncompromising value, handpicked, expanded ranges, exceptional customer service and premium quality assurance while celebrating the unique character of its community,” said Mouton.
He added that Namibia has opened a new chapter for retail excellence in Namibia.
“Model Auas Valley represents our commitment to never settling for ‘good enough’ when we can deliver extraordinary. Everything we’ve described will be consistently delivered. You will experience the difference and it will elevate your everyday shopping from feeling like hard work to something you actually look forward to,” Mouton pledged.
“What you see today is just the beginning. We’re committed to constant improvement, listening to your feedback and adapting to serve you better. Model is your store as much as it is ours,” he said.
He continued that the revamped store is the result of 15 months of planning and investment, following the termination of the Pick n Pay franchise in June 2024.