If you strolled into a Shoprite store recently, you are probably among the many Nigerians asking the same question: What happened here? The buzzing aisles, the long queues, and the overflowing trolleys all seem to have disappeared. Leaving behind empty shelves, a handful of shoppers, and the kind of silence you never used to associate with Nigeria’s biggest supermarket chain.

It has been four years since Shoprite’s South African owners exited the country, handing over operations to local investors. Since then, the retail giant has been struggling to find its footing. Stores in Ilorin and Ibadan have already shut their doors, while once-busy branches in Lagos and Abuja are running on half-empty shelves.

But today, the giant is barely holding on. Stores in Ilorin and Ibadan have already closed, while once-busy branches in Lagos and Abuja are running on near-empty shelves.

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So, what went wrong?

Shoprite first arrived in Nigeria in 2005 and quickly became a household name. It expanded to over 25 outlets nationwide, gave thousands of Nigerians jobs, supported local farmers, and redefined shopping culture. But today, the brand is fighting for survival.

The reasons are not far-fetched. Inflation has eaten deep into people’s pockets, so fewer Nigerians can afford bulk shopping. The naira’s freefall has made imports far more expensive, forcing Shoprite to struggle with restocking. Add in soaring rents, like the ₦66 million monthly bill in Kano, plus generator costs, and profit margins have all but disappeared.

Competition has not made things easier. Local supermarkets, online delivery platforms, and neighbourhood stores have moved into Shoprite’s territory, winning over customers with cheaper, quicker, or more convenient options.

But the empty aisles of Shoprite show that Nigeria is losing its grip on major international retailers and consumer brands. In just the last two years, GlaxoSmithKline, Procter & Gamble, Sanofi, Mr Price, and Bolt Food have all exited Nigeria, citing an “unfriendly business climate”.

High operating costs, unstable policies, and dwindling consumer spending are making Nigeria one of Africa’s toughest markets to do business in. For Shoprite, that has meant four years of decline since its South African owners handed over to local investors. For other brands, it has meant packing up completely.

For now, Shoprite’s management insists it is not leaving Nigeria and promises to restock stores soon. But as customers walk through hollow aisles, many are left wondering if the supermarket giant will bounce back, or will it become just another name on Nigeria’s growing list of corporate casualties?

Anita Chinedu