24 May 2024
The Shoprite Group has created 144 new jobs with the opening of a Checkers supermarket, Checkers Outdoor, Petshop Science, Liquorshop and standalone Medirite Plus – all on the same day, at the Paardevlei Centre in Somerset West, Cape Town.
Situated in Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate, the brand-new shopping centre pays homage to the site’s industrial heritage, dating back to the turn of the 19th century. The retailer has carefully preserved various heritage buildings including the carpenter shop, the old locomotive shed that now houses Checkers Outdoor, and the machine shops that have been integrated into the supermarket’s footprint.
Along with a perfectly preserved fireless locomotive and dynamite carriage dating back to 1909, Checkers has incorporated replicas of 10 rare lamps – that resemble the lighting used here as far back as 1899 – into the development as tangible links to the estate’s past.
“We deeply value our responsibility as stewards of this historic site and have therefore tastefully retained some of the old industrial character while embracing a contemporary store design, offering customers a unique shopping experience that merges history with modern convenience.”
- Willem Hunlun, Chief Operating Officer for Checkers
Shoprite Group creates over 140 jobs with five new stores in Somerset West, one of which is the new Checkers Paardevlei.
With several in-store fresh food and service departments available at Checkers Paardevlei, customers can look forward to:
- A Meat Market with free range chicken and restaurant-quality steak;
- A bakery with artisan breads and cakes;
- Health and Wellness;
- A hamburger bar;
- A wine cellar;
- A sushi bar;
- An in-store Kauia and Krispy Kreme;
- Fresh fruit, vegetables;
- Hot and cold foods deli; and
- A Money Market counter.
The Checkers store will be managed by Ashley Gibbons who is from Somerset West and has been with the Group for more than 10 years.
Checkers Outdoor Paardevlei is an adventurer’s playground, perfect for those seeking the best camping equipment, outdoor gadgets and braai accessories at affordable prices.
Featuring the region’s first Beauty Hall and introducing the innovative Little Me shop-in-shop concept, Medirite Plus Paardevlei is a leading health and wellness destination, offering an accessible range of wellness, personal care, baby products, fragrances, and skincare.
Trading hours for Checkers and Checkers Outdoor Paardevlei are from 08:00 – 20:00, Mondays to Sundays.
Medirite Plus Paardevlei is open from 09:00 – 21:00, Mondays to Fridays, and 09:00 – 19:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.