Be innovative, create your own
niche. Forge strategic
partnerships.
Give back; make an impact.
Not only is this enterprise satisfying the
market but it is also simultaneously
contributing towards the socio-economic
upliftment of the community. It employs
30 permanent staff, 24 of them being
female. Many of them have worked for 10
to 15 years, chiefly because of the good
working conditions and well-attended-to
welfare. The group’s name is also synonymous with philanthropic pursuits.
There are other stores in the periphery but
they are relatively smaller: both in floor
space and product range. Maurer does not
deny that these are competitors, but he
confidently asserts that he is giving them
a run for their money. First of all, his
prices are lower and come with quality
products and service. His competitors, on
the other hand, charge exorbitant prices,
sell low-quality goods and they care less
about good customer service. One other
thing that gives Chez Popo a competitive
edge over other stores is its strategic
associations, one of them being GSR,
Grandes Surfaces Reunies. It is a
Be open minded and anticipate
cooperative group of supermarkets, with
setbacks; they offer a great impetus
Maurer as the Managing Director.
to improve.
The group allows them to create a large
capital base in a low-cost way.
Furthermore, they can easily access and
exploit new markets. This affords
members the latitude to strike better deals
with suppliers, therefore automatically
reducing the selling prices. Through this,
high turnover is stimulated and profit
margins soar. Member supermarkets use
the group brand to collectively market
themselves. They promote their products
through various media such as
newspapers