Store opening gets a rave response
IT was a red letter day for the town when the St Lucia Shoprite Mini opened its doors last Thursday.
The vast and modern store situated in the main street and with 50 parking bays, attracted hundreds of early shoppers eager to see the town’s newest asset.
While the opening was heralded with pomp and ceremony, music and entertainment, including a superb Zulu dance troupe display arranged by Induna Philip Mkhwanazi, the essence was on the serious impact the business boost will have on the local residents and surrounding communities.
Mtubatuba Mayor, Cllr Velangenkosi Gumede praised Shoprite for investing in the area and applauded the commitment that prices in the store would be the same as those in Empangeni and Richards Bay.
But he was especially thrilled with the contribution the venture has made in terms of local job creation.
The new store has a total staff complement of 66, comprising 19 males and 47 females, most of whom live in the nearby Dukuduku and Khula villages.
Only 18 staff members were transferred from other stores, while 48 are new employees.
Charity was also a beneficiary, with R5 000 in Checkers/Shoprite vouchers handed to Zinhle Crèche, while many customers enjoyed the promotional items and special discounts.
Open from 8am to 6pm daily, including Sundays and public holidays, the store will not only benefit locals but will also cater for the needs of holiday makers and visitors from abroad who visit the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site and other tourist attractions.
The store boasts a meat market, bakery, hot and cold foods deli, fresh fruit and veg section and a Money Market, amongst others.