New shopping experience for Kano residents as AB Mall tenants pull in
For Kano residents, it is a new dawn as a new shopping culture has just begun in the ancient city with the building of Ado Bayero Mall whose first tenants, led by Shoprite, the South African retail chain, opened doors for shoppers last Wednesday.
This development, according to analysts, has established Kano as the northern business hub with its historic reputation as a trading and commercial centre in northern Nigeria as well as a major link for commerce on the trans-Saharan trade route.
According to them, with ABM’s commencement of operations, the highly commercial nature of Kano has gained more prominence in retail trade and as a destination for world-class family-oriented shopping, relaxation and entertainment, creating strong economic value for the city.
It is expected that this mall will further consolidate Kano’s ranking as Nigeria’s second-largest economy by positively impacting the value chain through consistent provision of employment opportunities for thousands of indigenes and residents, just as it will have a direct impact on the resuscitation of the local manufacturing sector, the backward integration of local farmers, and will position Kano as a tourist destination.
With local and international brands such as Shoprite, Adidas, Samsung, Airtel, First Bank, TM Lewin, Ruff n Tumble and others already positioned to meet Kano’s shoppers’ needs, others like the South African home appliance chain, Game, are to commence business within the next few months, making the mall rank amongst the top shopping centres in the country, and living true to its positioning as the super regional mall in northern Nigeria.
Leveraging the city’s over 9 million population and historic trading antecedent, the mall sets Kano in the league of cities that play host to world-class infrastructure. Its prime location in a well-balanced neighbourhood mix of commercial and residential properties ensures easy access and visibility for all tenants and shoppers.
According to the Mall’s promoters, Alpine Investment Services Limited, the ABM is the biggest private sector investment and pioneer of formal retail trade in northern Nigeria developed at a cost of over N13 billion.
It has attracted three world-class brands as anchor tenants and facilitated entry of 85 new corporate entities into the Kano business sector. Aside from being a backbone for tourism promotion, it has generated a total of 9,500 direct and indirect jobs and consequently impacting on the economy of other northern states.
As other businesses commence full operations into the second quarter of the year, Kano, undoubtedly, is set for global recognition and sustainable economic growth.
Chuka Uroko