Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Supermarket in Nigeria

In Nigeria, how do you start a supermarket? This article will look at the steps and requirements for establishing a supermarket in Nigeria. 0

Before we get into the crux of the matter, I’d like to make sure we all understand what a mini supermarket is. A supermarket is simply a large self-service retail shop where food and other household goods are sold.

Fresh and packaged food, snacks, fruits, meat, milk, and household goods such as soap, detergents, kitchen utensils, cooking spices, and so on are commonly found in supermarkets.

A Mini Super Market

A mini supermarket is a small supermarket in a semi-urban or urban setting.It has all of the features of a large supermarket, but on a smaller scale. It is sometimes classified as “corner shops” or shops that are slightly larger than the typical corner shop.

The basic concept of a supermarket is a place where personal and household goods, as well as food items, can be purchased conveniently and affordably in retail quantities.

In Nigeria, Who Can Own a Mini Supermarket?

A mini supermarket can be owned and operated by almost anyone. A working-class person looking for an extra source of income can own one and hire a salesperson to look after it while he or she is at work.

If the capital is available, an unemployed person can also use this as their sole source of income. This could be very beneficial because such a person will have plenty of time to monitor the day-to-day operations of the business as well as nurture its growth. Such a business owner may or may not need to hire a salesperson.

Of course, full-time and part-time students in tertiary institutions can participate in this business as well, as long as they can afford to juggle business and school or hire someone to fill in for them.

Challenges to Expect When Starting a Supermarket Business

The issue of erratic power supply is a major challenge for almost every business in Nigeria. A good generator can help to alleviate the situation, but it comes at the expense of purchasing, fueling, and maintaining the generating plant.

Another major issue that business owners face is a lack of security. Many supermarkets have been the victims of armed robberies, thefts, and break-ins over the years. Finally, many people are already involved in the same line of business, which means there will be a lot of competition for customers. 

To thrive in this very lucrative but challenging line of business, all it takes is a business owner who is innovative, driven, committed, and determined.

Things to Think About Before Opening a Supermarket in Nigeria. 

To be successful in this business, the following factors must be considered when developing a viable business plan.

1. Location

In setting up a business of this nature, the importance of location cannot be over emphasized. In fact apart from finance, it can be regarded as the single most important factor that will determine the success or failure of the business.

This is because the mini supermarket business will hardly have the available funds to afford an elaborate advertisement campaign hence it has to be located where it will be exposed to potential customers.

Secondly, almost everyone will love to do their shopping in a place that is easily accessible. No one will want to shop in a place where arriving or departing will be a hassle.

In summary, the best place to locate a mini super market in Nigeria is along a busy road or junction where your shop will be exposed to a high stream of consumers.

2. Goods to Concentrate On

Although most super markets normally stock a wide range of items, it is advisable to slightly tailor your stock to appeal to the locality where your mini supermarket is located.

For example, if you are located in a student environment it would pay more to invest in a bit more of stationary like books, pencils, pens, cardboard paper, markers etc., fast selling and easy to cook items like noodles and pasta, maybe a bit more of personal grooming items like deodorants, body sprays, hair products and medium to low end perfumes.

In such environment, it is better to focus on fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) because most students are relatively low income earners hence they tend to buy only what they need, and in small quantities.

In general, the nature of goods to be focused on depends largely on the locality where the shop is situated.

Any potential supermarket owner should carry out a small study on the major commodities that are consumed in the area so that they can accurately target the intended market.

3. Shop Size and Layout

The size of the shop basically determines the layout that will be adopted.

Being a small or medium scale business, you do not want to get a shop that is bigger than your need as this will cost you more than necessary in rent.

Also you do not want one that is too small else the shop will look disorganized and unappealing to customers.

The first step to picking the right size is to have a very clear picture of what is to be displayed and the scale of the shop.

All items on display should be logically arranged in such a way that it is easy for customers to easily locate their desired items. A simple clue is to place like items in the same areas.

4. Business Registration

It is important to make provision for the adequate registration of your business with all the local authorities as well as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Also ensure that all the applicable taxes and levies are settled.

The reason for this is simply because it would be quite unhealthy for your business to be closed down for even a day not to talk of a permanent closure.

Besides, running an unregistered business is seen as engaging in illegal activities.

5. Sourcing of Stock

Have a clear plan on how you will secure a steady flow of stock at an affordable rate, to ensure that your mini supermarket never runs out of items and also secure a good profit margin.

Bulk buying of products is a good way of securing goods at good prices.

Efforts should also be made to purchase directly from the manufacturers who usually give discounts and to eliminate the added middle man cost.

Most popular online stores buys their products directly from Aliexpress in China and get it shipped to their supermarkets here in Nigeria. They make serious gains from each items since they are buying very cheap from there.

6. Power Supply

Power is a very important component in the setting up of any mini supermarket because some of the items to be sold such as meat and fruits need to be preserved in freezers, and other items such as drinks also need to be kept cool.

Apart from that, it is important for the supermarket to be kept at a temperature that is convenient and hospitable for customers.

The erratic nature of public power supply means that there will be need to purchase a generating set. When going for a generator, there is need to engage a professional to find out the expected electrical load in the supermarket.

This will help the owner to select the right capacity of generator to purchase because the price of generator increases with the capacity.

7. Capital

All the above factors depend solely on available capital. Anyone intending to setup a supermarket business must consider the capital involved and also have a plan to source for it. Below is a breakdown of possible start up requirements for a mini supermarket. 

Final Part: Taking Action

Now that you have read everything needed to start a supermarket in Nigeria, it’s time to take action to implement the ideas. Work against procrastination and just start it.