Campaign for more local products in big retail stores
With the unavailability of local products in some big retail stores, a campaign is underway to market and increase the visibility of the products country-wide. A lot was revealed recently when the Clicks Botswana store re-launched at Airport Junction Mall. Executive director of brand management at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Kutlo Moagi, said through their PushaBw Campaign they have marketed and created awareness on local products.
Moagi added that many people have indicated a lack of awareness when it comes to local products because of their unavailable in different retail stores across the country.
“We promote local products through different social media platforms, events and exhibitions. We also come in to bridge the gap that we have identified between producers and retailers where there is lack of understanding that for one to list in a retail store such as Clicks how should their product be packaged and what are the quality standard requirements of Clicks. So we have a dedicated programme where we bring together a retailer and the producer for them to sit down together and help each other meet the requirements of the retailer,” she explained.
Moagi further pointed out that for the first time last year, BITC approached Clicks after realising that the latter did not have a single local product in their stores, she said as they enquired on the retailer’s seemingly lack of support for local products the misconception was cleared as Clicks revealed their huge interest in selling local products. However, upon inquiry, they were told that local producers wanted to sell their products at Clicks but the products did not meet the quality requirements for the store.
She further said they recommend local products and some are already selling their products such as O3 Water and a company that sells biltong. She also said Clicks was also in talks with other companies. Moagi also said they realised that many local company owners gave up too quickly instead of working on improving their products’ quality standards. She urged them to continue working hard to ensure their products meet required international standards and quality.
Moreover, Clicks Botswana area manager, Lebopo Bulayani, said the store was not only in Botswana for business but also to improve the lives of the people. She added that they had a fair share of curbing the unemployment rate, and empowering people through different training platforms. She added that for the past years, they made significant change in their communities and partnered with different stakeholders for the betterment of the nation.
For his part, Tlokweng District Council chairperson, Collen Machotlhi, said as they embark on the President’s Reset Agenda, Mindset Change and Botswana’s Vision for 2036, he found it fit to shed light on the pivotal role of investment, particularly through retail outlets like Clicks, in shaping Botswana’s economic landscape.
“In April 2012, Clicks Botswana made a bold stride by opening its doors, not just as a retailer but as a catalyst for change. Recognising the pressing need to combat youth unemployment, Clicks took the mantle of responsibility, becoming a beacon of hope for hundreds of young Batswana seeking employment opportunities. Today, with over 350 jobs created and plans underway for opening of their 20th and 21st stores, Clicks has not only contributed to economic stability but has also fostered a culture of empowerment and growth. The significance of Clicks transcends mere economic metrics; it embodies a commitment to community upliftment and social responsibility,” he said.