Model presents revolutionary retail experience
Chris Kaukemua
The Auas Valley Model Food Market, previously known as Pick n Pay, was officially opened by Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Wednesday.
Sven Thieme, CEO of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, which owns Model Food, said the move would ensure that money which would normally flow out of the country will now circulate internally.
“The Model Food Market is now fully Namibian-owned and I am proud that a significant portion of the revenue will flow back into Namibia.”
He added that local ownership enables the company to expand and revamp stores, provide extensive staff training, and offer a wider range of products.
Reflecting on the brand’s origins, Thieme said the first Model supermarket started in 1965 when his grandfather was denied a licence to sell groceries from his farm and decided to buy his own supermarket.
In light of this Thieme encouraged Namibians to take initiative: “Sometimes we have this tendency to complain and where everyone blames someone. We simply took it into our own hands and created something of our own again, and that is what we are proud of.”
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, who officially launched the store, praised O&L’s century-long commitment to Namibia: “The success of our country does not depend on an individual alone. Every citizen, every son and daughter of our soil, must become a catalyst for development and change.”
The flagship Auas Valley store introduces self-checkout stations, a robotic assistant to help customers navigate the store, a dedicated Golden Ambassador for personalised customer service, and specialised sections for wine enthusiasts, health and wellness, and gourmet ready-made meals.
Graeme Mouton, MD of Model, said the company was setting a new standard of retail excellence. “Our stores will operate on four pillars: uncompromising value, handpicked and expanded ranges, exceptional customer service, and premium quality assurance.”
The Auas Valley Model Food Market, previously known as Pick n Pay, was officially opened by Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Wednesday.
Sven Thieme, CEO of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, which owns Model Food, said the move would ensure that money which would normally flow out of the country will now circulate internally.
“The Model Food Market is now fully Namibian-owned and I am proud that a significant portion of the revenue will flow back into Namibia.”
He added that local ownership enables the company to expand and revamp stores, provide extensive staff training, and offer a wider range of products.
Reflecting on the brand’s origins, Thieme said the first Model supermarket started in 1965 when his grandfather was denied a licence to sell groceries from his farm and decided to buy his own supermarket.
In light of this Thieme encouraged Namibians to take initiative: “Sometimes we have this tendency to complain and where everyone blames someone. We simply took it into our own hands and created something of our own again, and that is what we are proud of.”
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, who officially launched the store, praised O&L’s century-long commitment to Namibia: “The success of our country does not depend on an individual alone. Every citizen, every son and daughter of our soil, must become a catalyst for development and change.”
The flagship Auas Valley store introduces self-checkout stations, a robotic assistant to help customers navigate the store, a dedicated Golden Ambassador for personalised customer service, and specialised sections for wine enthusiasts, health and wellness, and gourmet ready-made meals.
Graeme Mouton, MD of Model, said the company was setting a new standard of retail excellence. “Our stores will operate on four pillars: uncompromising value, handpicked and expanded ranges, exceptional customer service, and premium quality assurance.”
