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PORT HARCOURT – Market Square, one of Nigeria’s leading supermarket chains, has celebrated its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of rapid expansion, job creation, and contributions to the modernisation of the country’s retail sector.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, over the weekend, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sundry Markets Limited, owners of Market Square, Ebele Enunwa, described the milestone as a significant achievement in a challenging business environment where many startups struggle to survive beyond their first five years.
Enunwa said the company’s success has been driven by a commitment to delivering quality products, excellent customer service, and creating a shopping environment that offers value for money.
“We started this business 10 years ago with almost nothing. Today, we have over 40 stores across the country and have grown to become the largest grocery retail chain in Nigeria.
“That growth is a testament to the hard work of thousands of employees who focus every day on satisfying customers and exceeding their expectations,” he said.
The CEO noted that despite economic headwinds, including inflation, currency volatility, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company remained resilient and continued to expand its footprint across the country.
Looking ahead, Enunwa said the company’s ambition is to make its products and services accessible to Nigerians in every part of the country over the next two decades.
Beyond business growth, Enunwa highlighted Market Square’s impact on the economy through employment generation and retail sector development.
He said, “We have probably created more than 10,000 jobs across Nigeria and will continue to do so as we expand.
We have also been at the forefront of modernizing retail by providing safe, comfortable and organized shopping environments for consumers.
“The challenges of any Nigerian business are the same, we’ve gone through periods of intense turbulence, inflation has been growing at an alarming rate, the consumer has been beating silly, their pockets have been really hit hard.”
Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Sundry Markets Limited, Charles Odita, said the company has grown from a single outlet in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to more than 41 branches spread across 16 states of the federation.
He called on the government at all levels to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity supply, and security, noting that these are critical requirements for the continued growth of the retail industry.
“For retail businesses to thrive, we need efficient transportation networks, stable power supply and a secure operating environment. These are fundamental enablers of growth.” Odita said.
Executive Director of Sundry Foods Limited, Nnamdi Opara, described the anniversary as a proud moment for the broader Sundry family, recalling the company’s early support in establishing Market Square as a standalone retail business.
Opara noted that the journey from a single store in Yenagoa to a nationwide chain with 41 outlets demonstrates the strength of the vision behind the brand.
“10 years and 41 stores in Nigeria is no small achievement. We are proud of what Market Square has accomplished and excited about its future prospects.
“Today we are very excited. I remember the first store in Yenagoa. We also supported them in the recipes on the food and beverage side in our little way to achieve what they have done and we are very proud of,” he said.
Encouraging young Nigerians to explore opportunities in the retail sector, Opara emphasized that the industry’s continued expansion would create thousands of jobs and leadership opportunities.
“There is a future in retail. As these stores continue to expand, more young people will be needed to manage and run them. I believe Market Square could reach 100 stores within the next five years.
“I am a pioneer employee of Sundry foods, at the time when we started, there were industries that were available, many were chasing after the banking sector, the telecoms and nobody felt there was a career opportunity selling food in the PSR format and today we have proven it.
Meanwhile, a representative of one of the company’s long-standing partners, Mercy Jemikalajah, Key Account Manager, Bottling Company (NBC), praised Market Square’s consistency and growth trajectory over the past decade.
She described the supermarket chain as a preferred shopping destination known for competitive pricing, quality customer service, and a seamless shopping experience both in-store and online.
“It has been a pleasure partnering with Market Square from its first store in Yenagoa to what it has become today. The growth has been remarkable, and we are proud to be part of the journey.
“Market square is a one stop shop, for shopping they have the best prices, they have the best customer experience, anything you want to buy, you can get it there, their customer relationship is fantastic.
“I am not saying this as a partner, but as a shopper, I go there for all my shopping, I also use their online store, at my convenience, it is very fast.”
The anniversary celebration brought together business partners, stakeholders, employees and industry leaders to commemorate a decade of growth and to chart a course for the company’s next phase of expansion across Nigeria.
