SPAR Lowveld responds to Village SPAR closure
The Village Shopping Centre in Mbombela has been without electricity since the beginning of September due to non-payments by the centre’s owners. The KWIKSPAR and TOPS @ SPAR have recently closed their doors. This is an official press release by SPAR management on the matter.
SPAR Lowveld sent out an official press release on November 1 in response to the recent closure of the KWIKSPAR and TOPS @ SPAR stores situated in the Village Shopping Centre.
The centre has been experiencing an ongoing electricity crisis.
Wilma Mahne, divisional managing director of SPAR Lowveld, responded on behalf on the retailer and had the following to say:
“After extensive efforts to resolve the ongoing electricity supply issues at the Village Shopping Centre in Mbombela, SPAR Lowveld has taken the strategic decision to close its stores.
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“This is a decision that has not been taken lightly, and we are saddened by the impact this will have on our staff, valued customers and the Mbombela community at large.
“The landlord responsible for the premises is currently in arrears with the City of Mbombela for rates, taxes and electricity bills. The KWIKSPAR and TOPS @ SPAR Village on the premises, owned by the SPAR Lowveld Distribution Centre, have been running on generators since September 15. This has proven costly and, along with the decreased foot traffic to the shopping centre, the financial losses
are unsustainable.
“Our primary focus is on the well-being of our dedicated employees. We are committed to ensuring that all affected employees are treated fairly and receive the necessary assistance to navigate through this challenging time, in line with the South African labour laws.
“We will continue to uphold our values and maintain our unwavering dedication to serving the community. We appreciate the support and understanding received from our loyal KWIKSPAR and TOPS @ SPAR Village customers to date.
