SPAR partners with stakeholders to Initiate SME Bazaar in Nigeria

Local SMEs showcased their products to shoppers at SPAR Hypermarket Ilupeju on Friday 9, December 2016 at the maiden edition of SME bazaar organized by Bank of Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Retail Council of Nigeria.

The SME Bazaar was the final stage in a series of workshops by the organisers to educate and offer professional assistance to small businesses on the dynamics of Modern day retail.

Speaking on the motivation behind SPAR’s active involvement in the SME development and empowerment initiatives, Group Managing Director of the brand Haresh Keswani stated thus “We must give our SMEs the enabling opportunity to grow and compete with larger businesses and corporations. We need to engage our labour market and begin to instil the entrepreneurial spirit into our people so that we do not end up mortgaging our economy from buying only foreign items. SMEs must rise up to the challenge of embracing standardization in their manufacturing processes and packaging. By so doing, Nigerians will find more locally produced goods on the shelves of stores nationwide.’’

Over 40 growing businesses who had been beneficiaries of the SME Development Workshop held recently showcased their products to a variety of SPAR shoppers and the general public. Products showcased included grains, beverages, clothing and merchandize, cosmetics, etc. all manufactured in Nigeria.

Present at the occasion was the Deputy Managing Director of SPAR Nigeria Prakash Keswani.  He stated that Nigeria had so much potentials in terms of business ideas and retail growth. “As a Hypermarket store, we are deeply interested in retailing Made in Nigeria products, we need to encourage and support growing businesses to standardize and align with best practices in the Modern Retail world.

The Regional Head of the SME Division of the Bank of Industry (BOI) Mr Adetokunbo Akinsola applauded the vendors at the Bazaar, saying that their products had the potential to go beyond the shores of the country if they remain committed to keeping quality standards high. He also stated that the BOI was willing to support growing businesses in achieving their financial goals and objectives.

Doris Onwugamba the Managing Director of the business arm of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) who was highly impressed at the turn out of vendors and customers who participated in the SME Bazaar experience, stated thus “It is evident that Nigerians are interested in Made in Nigeria goods. I am excited that vendors have upgraded on their packaging and registrations.’’

Vendors expressed gratitude to the organisers of the Bazaar for the opportunity to reach out to Lagosians on a large scale. Amede Olisa-Achingale a producer of Organic food products, stated that before the bazaar she felt limited in her reach to potential customers but after the training she was able to position her products for effective market reach.

According to SPAR’s Spokesperson, The Bazaar was a huge success and the first of many more such events to come. SPAR Nigeria is poised to encourage Nigerians to purchase Made in Nigeria goods by stocking made in Nigeria goods in SPAR stores Nationwide.

About SPAR Nigeria

SPAR Nigeria has grown from one retail store to 10 major outlets nationwide. The store specializes in a wide spread of products, ranging from Grocery, Bakery, Butchery, Fruits & Vegetables, Hot Meals, Wine & Spirits, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Consumer Electronics, Large and Small Home Appliances, Mobile Phones, Laptops & Tablets, Perfumes, Watches & Jewellery.

About SPAR International
SPAR, a Dutch multinational retail chain has global presence in 42 countries across 4 continents with over 12,000 stores. Apart from Nigeria, SPAR boast of its presence in Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Mozambique. Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe to name a few.

More photos from the event, below...