Makro SA will be opening the doors of its brand-new state-of-theart Gqeberha store in Cape Road, Parsons Vlei next Wednesday (May 26).
Makro is top-of-mind for most shoppers seeking value, quality, and affordable products. Customers demand the latest products on the market and the new Makro in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) will also deliver.
This new Makro store combines cutting edge customer experience and innovative building design in a way that reduce costs, improves sustainability and enhances the Makro shopping experience.
Leading the green revolution
A challenge most organizations battle with, is going green whilst staying within lean budgets. Makro’s approach has not only overcome this hurdle, but they have taken their innovation to a greater level by finding creative solutions to their already abundant ideas.
To minimize onsite water consumption, the new Makro Port Elizabeth store makes use of a variety of water saving interventions including rainwater and condensate harvesting, remotely metered low flow taps and fixtures and dual flush toilets.
Consistent with all new Makro stores, the Port Elizabeth store also uses a thermal storage system to reduce electricity requirements associated with maintaining a comfortable shopping environment.
These thermal chillers are coupled with a highly efficient, natural gas refrigeration plant, which uses carbon dioxide instead of ozone-depleting refrigeration gases. Carbon dioxide refrigerant gases are 100% natural, with a global warming potential (GWP) rating of 1 (Best in class).
Beyond making the store as energy efficient as possible and to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, a 418kW peak solar power plant has been incorporate into the design of the store. This solar plant is expected to reduce the stores daytime grid electricity consumption by approximately 70% while reducing overall grid consumption by between 20-25%.
Makro brings HOPE to children
Makro SA, in collaboration with HOPE worldwide South Africa, utilises their national flagship programme, SUCCEED, to support and equip under-resourced preschools and to equip caregivers and parents with the knowledge and skills to promote child development and help children thrive.
The Lukhanyo Educare Centre in Booysens Park is one of the local beneficiaries identified to benefit from Makro’s partnership with HOPE.
The centre was established in August 2006 by Miss Mnconywa in the area of Chatty 3 and 4. At the time, there were no crèches in the area resulting in overcrowding and caring for 86 children.
The centre is 18km away from the new Makro store and through the SUCCEED programme will ensure sustainability by investing in physical assets for the facility and in staff training to assist with obtaining necessary government registration and subsidy support.
