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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29317, member: 2262"] OK, Zimbabwe plans to bring back its Entumbane store but change it from a regular supermarket into a wholesale shop. They shut this branch earlier in 2024. The company hopes this new business model will cost less to run. During late 2024, the retail chain struggled with empty shelves, reaching just half their normal stock levels. The company runs 67 stores across Zimbabwe and blamed tough business conditions for their supply problems. Margaret Munyuru, the group secretary, told lawmakers visiting the shopping complex that Bulawayo City Council helped them reverse their closing decision. She explained they would transform the location into a wholesale operation instead of continuing as a retail store. Munyuru said the council agreed to give them a wholesale license, which allows them to run the business differently than traditional supermarkets. The company plans to look at all its properties to find better ways to use its spaces. It wants to revive its appeal to shoppers across the market. The Parliament group checking on businesses nationwide visited OK Zimbabwe stores in Harare on Tuesday. Munyuru reported the company has started recovery efforts. She pointed out that products like Mazoe drinks had been missing, but shelves were filling up again. OK, Zimbabwe recently brought back former boss Willard Zireva to help fix problems after three top leaders left. People living near Entumbane felt happy hearing the store would return, even as just a wholesale shop. They said having supermarkets in neighborhoods saves them money by not having to travel downtown. Edington Virimayi from Makhandeni B talked about how the closing affected residents. He mentioned they used to collect money transfers from relatives abroad at that location. Virimayi added that OK offered better prices than other local shops. The store accepted both US dollars and ZiG currency, making shopping easier for customers. He explained that they also paid bills like licenses and electricity there. The closing made life more expensive for many residents, who asked the company to reconsider their decision. [/QUOTE]

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