Nigeria’s retail sector has taken a major hit as the last remaining Shoprite store in the country has officially shut down, bringing an end to nearly two decades of operation.
Shoprite was more than just a supermarket for many families. Shoprite entered the Nigerian market in 2005, and since then the brand introduced modern supermarket shopping to millions of people and quickly became a major attraction across the country. 
Shoprite operated in 25 stores across 13 states, drawing large crowds daily. The supermarket also played a key role in supporting many other businesses located inside malls, including restaurants, boutiques, pharmacies, cinemas and electronics shops.
But in recent years, things began to change.
What led to the shutdown?
Like many businesses in Nigeria, Shoprite began facing serious challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic issues made it difficult for the supermarket chain to operate smoothly. These issues include foreign exchange shortages, rising import tariffs, high transportation costs, as well as inflation.
In 2021, media houses like Reuters and IOL reported that Shoprite’s South African parent company decided to leave the Nigerian market and sold its share to a local group led by Persianas Investment Limited. The stores continued operating under a Nigerian franchise known as Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL).
At first, there was hope that this change in ownership would help stabilise the business. However, the country’s difficult economic condition continued to affect operations.
In an investigation done by Vanguard, it was discovered that by 2024, signs that the company was struggling started getting noticed by customers. Several stores began getting empty shelves, with even basic household items becoming harder to find.
By late 2025, some outlets in Lagos and other cities had either scaled down their activities or closed completely.
Stores affected across Nigeria
Over time, Shoprite outlets across major cities gradually shut their doors. Some of the locations affected include:
- Ado Bayero Mall – Kano
- Apapa Mall – Lagos
- Lekki Mall – Lagos
- Festac Mall – Lagos
- Igbatoro Road – Akure
- Dugbe – Ibadan
- Ring Road – Ibadan
- Silverbird Mall – Abuja
- Apo Village – Abuja
- Novare Central Mall (Wuse Zone 5) – Abuja
- Lugbe Mall – Abuja
- Independence Way – Kaduna
Many of these outlets had already been operating with very few staff and nearly empty shelves before the final closure.
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Effect on other businesses
The shutdown is also affecting many other businesses as shoprite served as the main attraction that brought shoppers through the doors.
With the shoprite gone, many smaller stores, restaurants, and vendors are struggling to keep their businesses running.
According to Vanguard, business analysts project Nigeria’s retail industry is currently worth around N2.5 trillion, and N1.4 trillion in economic activity could be affected by Shoprite’s collapse.
Thousands of workers and small businesses that depended on the business chain now face an uncertain future.
The empty supermarket stores across different cities are a reminder of how the country’s economic challenges is affecting even the retail industry.
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