WINDHOEK – Pick ‘n Pay (PnP) Auas Valley yesterday (Tuesday) re-opened its doors after extensive renovations to the Auas Valley centre as well as upgrades to the Pick n Pay shop that will employ 170 people. While the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L), owners of the PnP franchise in Namibia, were mum on the exact investment in the revamped store, sources estimate that the renovations cost the group millions of dollars.
At the re-opening ceremony Henry Feris, Managing Director of Pick n Pay Namibia, a subsidiary of the O&L Group, said that shoppers would witness a revived Auas Valley shopping package. Feris said that the revamped store now boasts a wide product offering, all under one roof, such as the Wiesenhof’s coffee shop, which is the first of its kind in Namibia; a butchery and bakery offering fresh local produce; a sushi bar; a unique PnP liquor store and will soon offer the first stand-alone PnP Clothing Store, among others.
“Not only are we committed to our 2019 vision, which, among others, includes growing the chain of PnP stores in Namibia, which we have done so consistently over the last couple of years, but we are also modernising the stores to keep up with international standards and the demands of our customers, thereby taking shopping to a whole new and enhanced level. I wish to assure you of our commitment to grow our country through, among others, investments; employment creation; and bringing the adored PnP brand to the people as we will witness new PnP activations in November, December, March and April 2015.”
Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of the O&L Group of Companies said: “The Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies has over many years made its mark in a number of ventures ranging from hospitality to farming, fishing and retail to beverages and property. The re-opening and total investment of the Pick n Pay Auas Valley store reaffirms our commitment to Namibia and her people and is testimony of the positive effects that the Group’s purpose of ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’ has had thus far.”
Councillor Muesee Kazapua, Deputy Mayor of the City of Windhoek, thanked the O&L Group for its contribution towards the city’s growth, thereby contributing towards a strong and healthy economy. He added: “The Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies is surely one of the companies in the private sector in Namibia that embraces every opportunity to invest in our country and her people. Such investments include, among others, the Wernhil Park Phase 3 development; the Alexander Forbes House and Carl List Mall; the new development 77 On Independence Avenue that is currently under construction; and the revamped Pick n Pay Auas Valley store where we are this morning. Your rich heritage of almost 100 years and your commitment to our country is sincerely recognised and valued. That in turn inspires us to ensure that we also deliver on service excellence, efficiency, and best municipal practices.”