For anyone who works shifts like staff in the hospitality industry do, popping into the shops on your way home from work is simply not an option.
However, Sun International’s GrandWest property in Cape Town has come up with a novel way to assist staff, while simultaneously supporting entrepreneurship by opening a Spaza Store on their premises at the end of March.
Staff are now able to pop into their own Spaza Store before they head off for home. GrandWest spent just under R400 000 to equip the shop with fridges, freezers and shelving. Just as in any other supermarket it has point of sale items, shopping baskets, shopper bags, chairs and a safe.
But GrandWest is in the business of gaming, hospitality and entertainment, not retail, so the company extended a R100 000 loan to National Pride Trading from their Enterprise and Supply Development Programme. Owners Sango and Lindiwe Bam will use the loan for working capital and to stock the shop.
GrandWest will provide additional business support over the next three years which will include a waiver on rent, metered utility costs, operational costs, marketing and communications. They will also receive business coaching from GrandWest’s service providers, Business Doctors Western Cape.