TM Supermarkets

TM SuperMarkeTS Delivering Real Value Always to the people of Zimbabwe

TM SuperMarkeTS Delivering Real Value Always to the people of Zimbabwe

TM Supermarkets has become an institution of the Zimbabwean retail sector. Founded in 1978, the brand has grown to include a network of 54 stores countrywide.

The store formats range from convenient small supermarkets to hypermarkets.

The chain is owned by Meikles and Pick n Pay of South Africa, which has held a 49% stake since late 2010. Meikles is listed on the ZSE and according to independent market research is one of the leading Food and Grocery retail brands in Zimbabwe.

Pick n Pay relationshiP The relationship with Pick n Pay allows for the sharing of resources, particularly technical expertise. It also helps with sourcing a wide range of products from South Africa, giving customers a variety of choice for their weekly shop.

The South African retailer has also offered operational

support through a skills development programme to equip staff in Zimbabwe with international best practice and transferrable skills that benefit both staff and consumers.

‘Real Value always’TM Supermarkets’ has a simple tagline that has become synonymous with the brand. ‘Real Value Always’ is the company’s motto, and it works hard to deliver that promise to its customers. The company’s aim is all about being the best. It want to house the best range of quality goods at the best price in the best environment, whilst delivering value to all stakeholders.

“Customers are offered a shopping experience in clean stores where they get a wide range of groceries at competitive prices,” TM states. “Our customers always look for bargains and TM always meets this expectation hence the reason why it is the biggest and the most

preferred retail chain in Zimbabwe.”With convenience stores as well as hypermarkets,

TM appeals to a wide base of customers. From those on smaller incomes needing essentials, to higher end consumers. By sticking to its simple philosophy, TM has built up a loyal customer base. The store in Borrowdale and Hyper in Harare and Bulawayo respectively are the largest branches, and decades in the FMCG sector has proved that upgrading facilities in current stores is an effective alternative to purchasing new sites.

skilled woRkfoRce TM believes in employing professionally qualified and experienced people in all its areas of operation. “One willing to have a career in TM Supermarkets can find themselves in various departments in the supermarkets’ food and specialist service areas all around the store,” says TM.

“There are minimum qualifications required in all the areas that are disclosed to prospective employees who may like to have a career with this exciting group.”

The management team at TM Supermarkets has a wealth of knowledge in the FMCG industry, gathered over a number of decades. The group also offers industrial attachments to recruit future leaders and professionals admitted via university or college.

sustainability“Sustainability is more than just being a ‘green’ company,” explains TM. “Our approach is to ensure we become a more progressive and resilient company, through embedding sustainable thinking and practices in all our core activities.”

TM not only educates its own staff to adapt their practices, but also its valued customers, helping them to reduce their own

impact on the environment through adopting more sustainable lifestyles. TM is committed to complying with the regulation set down by the Environmental Management Agency which applies to corporate sustainable behaviour. This includes aiming to reduce all forms pollution, as well as encouraging recycling in all forms available.

TM Supermarkets believes and acknowledges that good sustainability practice equates to responsible business practice, and that a well managed company is motivated to act responsibly.

corPorate citizenshiPTM Supermarkets understands its position in Zimbabwean society and takes the opportunity whenever possible to help under privileged communities through various charitable organisations. This culture of compassionate and responsible corporate citizenship is at the core of the group.

“We joined hands with various philanthropic organisations in helping the Tokwe Mkosi Flood Victims in Masvingo, and donated grocery and clothing items to the Chingwizi Resettlement Camp in Mwenezi,” says TM.

TM has also worked with the Cancer Association Of Zimbabwe to disseminate information and create awareness of the disease.

inVesting foR the futuReTM Supermarkets is not content with making a profit and keeping the proceeds. In 2013, it invested $25 million in upgrading and refurbishing existing stores, a programme that is ongoing and that customers continue to benefit from.

With its reputation for delivering lower prices for its loyal customers, TM Supermarkets is set to continue its expansion across Zimbabwe and reach an ever increasing consumer market.

Oliver Moy PublisherFor enquiries emailokm@aubusinesscoverage.com