It was with song, dance and even a visit from Spiderman that Stellenbosch’s new Pick n Pay store opened in Newinbosch last Thursday (30 April).
Staff members welcomed their first customers – Spidey, three-year-old Daniël Malan, and mom Mathilda – to the brand new store in the mixed development. The new store has various features including self service AI weights in fruit and vegetables department, as well as two self checkout machines.
Despite these new features PnP CEO Sean Summers urged that the aim of the store remains to first serve the community. His message to the staff was simple: “Let’s get down and do some business.”
The standards customers expect, like the in-store bakery, deli counter and butchery, can be found but there is also the pick and mix select which many older customers would remember from their youth.
The Newinbosch opening comes amid announcements this week that the retailer is in talks with unions about changes to store-level labour practices, including shift flexibility and employee benefits. This is all part of a process under Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act, which the retailer hopes will streamline operations to align with broader retail market standards.
The local store is a significant employer as more than 90% of the staff are new to PnP with most hailing from neighbouring Khayamandi. At the opening store manager Edward George said he is excited about what is to come, especially given the energetic and vibrant team, saying that the store is one where quality and community are set to come together.
“This store reflects hard work, dedication and a shared vision of creating a space where quality, service, and the community comes together. Every detail you see here has been carefully planned with you in mind as customers, because you are the heart of everything we do,” he related
“To our amazing team, thank you for your commitment and passion. It’s your energy and willingness to go the extra mile, and that will turn the store into a place that people trust, enjoy and visit. First impressions matter, and I have no doubt that each person who walks through the doors will feel welcomed and valued.”
As part of the opening festivities donations of R5 000 were handed over to Cloetesville and Pieter Langeveldt primary schools. Along with the main store the Newinbosch Square also boasts PnP Clothing and Liquor stores.
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