Africa-Press – Eswatini. Members of the public have expressed excitement on the move by Pick n Pay Lojaf Mashayitafula to operate 24 hours.
This comes after Store Manager Khetho Dlamini issued a statement yesterday disclosing that the Mashayitafula branch would be the first to pilot a 24-hour operation, from 7am. The 24 hour shopping experience will commence in the beginning of September.
This new initiative was welcomed by consumers who see it as timely and something that would benefit shoppers who hardly get the time to run their shopping errands during the day.
Some also felt that this was a huge step towards attracting investors and boosting the ailing economy. According to some members of the public as more outlets operate 24 hours, other industries will be triggered to follow suit, including the need for public transport to be available 24 hours.
African Alliance Partner S’thofeni Ginindza said the overwhelming reception had shown that the public was hungry for such an initiative. He said their aim was to take the business and their products to the people. Ginindza said this was in line with the country’s strategy of achieving first world status.
“There was nothing attracting investors to come to a country that consumes only eight hours of their 24 hours,” a social media user commented.
Explaining the advantages of operating 24 hours, Ginindza said the shop would be a go to for those who worked odd hours. He said for example there were people who knocked off very late at night and they may need food or other products.
Convinient
“These people will be able to pop in at Mashayitafula and get whatever they need at a time convenient to them,” Ginindza said.
According to Ginindza even though there are garages that operate 24 hours, these have limited services when compared to what the store offers. Ginindza said even in terms of prices it was common knowledge that garages offered higher prices.
In terms of expanding to other areas Ginindza said for now they would be focusing on the pilot project and see how it goes. He said from this they would see what challenges they face and how they could improve. “I cannot say where we will then go whether Malkerns or Mbabane but we will be looking to continue into other places,” Ginindza stated.
The African Alliance partner indicated that in terms of employment, staff would be hired and when the need arises. He said it must be noted that the activity at night may not be that much when compared to during the day. Ginindza said they had high hopes that the pilot project would be successful.
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