By Neo Kolane
Since its opening in July, Basotho-owned Enrich Store has had to endure unending complaints about the convenience of its location to customers who moan about lack of sufficient parking space at Ha Mafafa complex.
Enrich Holdings is owned by 1600 or more Basotho shareholders. It is probably the first chain-store of its size and influence to be fully owned by Basotho
The Chief Executive Officer of Enrich Stores, Maine Maine said that he doesn’t understand why the location should be a problem because they are surrounded by other shops which do not have their own parking space either.
“Parking is a problem here. Right behind the food market, the site will be used for customer parking if the front parking is full. It will have space for about 20 vehicles.
“Another issue is the marketing. When a customer enters a new store or a newly set up company, which is a brand in the making, they must know that the owners are working hard to invest in it, and it is not as easy as well establishment brands.
“We are a new company that was formed by people who were brave enough despite the COVID-19 situation which made it tough for Basotho to venture into entrepreneurship, but we took the risk and our gable paid off. I believe Enrich has the will to compete and this requires a lot of money. I admit we may not have everything they need, but we are taking baby steps and we will definitely get there.”
Maine added that, in the next two months, Enrich will engage in a robust marketing strategy, and asked Basotho to be patient with the store.
“The complains are a lesson to us. It means we need to improve on certain things, they must not think we are not doing anything. We know we need to do intense marketing,” Maine reiterated.
The store will soon have butchery and bakery departments, and have just set up fruit stalls.
