Model returns to Walvis Bay with N$33m investment

WALVIS BAY – Model Food at Seagulls Mall in the Walvis Bay central business district (CBD) officially opened last Friday, returning the retailer to the site it previously occupied as Pick n Pay.

The new store, known as Model Seagulls, represents an investment of approximately N$33 million and has created employment opportunities while supporting local businesses and Namibian suppliers.

Franziska Rüeck, chief experience officer and managing director of Model, said the retailer wanted to create a shopping experience centred on value, inspiration, innovation and quality assurance.

“When we started reimagining what Model could become, we wanted to create a shopping experience that makes people feel good about where they shop,” she said.

Rüeck said Walvis Bay had its own character and opportunities, adding that the community deserved a modern shopping experience.

“Every new store is an opportunity to create jobs, work with local suppliers, support the economy and contribute to the communities we are serving,” she said.

The store employs 70 people, including 29 new recruits. Other positions were filled by employees who successfully applied to transfer from other Model stores, while 12 previously fixed-term employees secured permanent positions.

The retailer also partnered with local small and medium-sized enterprises supplying fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables, as well as locally roasted coffee.

Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga added that the opening of the retailer demonstrates confidence in the local economy.

“This is not only about the opening of the retail store, it’s about investment, it’s about opportunities, it’s about progress,” he said.

Shimbilinga said investments of this nature create employment, open markets for local producers and entrepreneurs, and support service providers.

He added that businesses investing with a long-term view could contribute to sustainable economic growth, even during periods of economic uncertainty.

Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group executive chairman and chief executive officer Dr Sven Thieme said the opening reflected the importance of investment, innovation and adapting to changing customer expectations.

“Business growth never happens by accident. If you want to grow, you have to be willing to invest,” Thieme said.

He said Model’s transformation over the past 18 months had been driven by efforts to rethink grocery retail and improve the customer experience.

“Growth must be sustainable. It must create value and it must improve lives,” he said.

The store offers expanded fresh produce ranges, a premium wine cellar, dry-aged meat, gifting and wellness products, fresh flowers and self-checkout stations.

Customers can also access Model More Click & Collect and a robotic store assistant.

The retailer has introduced its Golden Ambassador, a personalised service offering aimed at enhancing customer service.

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