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Business Ideas

How to Start a Supermarket in Nigeria; Everything you Need to Know

How to start a supermarket in Nigeria. In this article, we will be looking at the steps and requirements of setting up a super market in Nigeria.

I would like us to have a clear picture of what a mini supermarket is before we delve into the topic proper. A supermarket can be defined in simple terms as a large self-service retail shop where food and other house hold goods are sold.


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The items mostly found in supermarkets include fresh and packaged food, snacks fruits, meat, milk and house hold goods like soap, detergents, kitchen utensils, cooking spices etc.

A Mini Super Market

A mini supermarket can be seen as a small super market located in a semi urban or urban area.

It has all the attributes of a large super market but on a smaller scale. It can be sometimes categorized into the type of shops locally referred to as “corner shops” or slightly bigger than the typical corner shop.

Read Also: How to Start Snacks Selling Business in Nigeria

The basic idea of a supermarket is a place where personal and house hold goods as well as food items can be purchased conveniently in retail quantities, and at an affordable price.

 

Who Can Own a Mini Super Market in Nigeria

Practically anyone can own and operate a mini super market. A working class person in need of an extra stream of income can own one and employ a sales person to take care of the place while he or she is at work.

An unemployed person can also take this up as a sole means of livelihood if the capital is available. This could be really advantageous because such a person will have ample time to monitor the day to day running of the business and also nurture the growth of the business. Such an owner may or may not need to employ a salesperson.

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Of course, full time and part time students in tertiary institutions can also get involved in this business as long as they can afford to joggle business and school or maybe hire someone to fill in for them.

 

Expected Challenges when Starting a Supermarket Business

As with almost every business in Nigeria, the major challenge is the issue of erratic power supply. A good generator can help to alleviate the situation but this comes with the attendant cost of purchase, fuelling and maintaining the generating plant.

Another major challenge facing business owners is lack of security. Over the years, lots of supermarkets have fallen victim to armed robberies, thefts and break-ins.

Lastly there are numerous people already involved in the same line of business which means there will be lots of competition for customers.

It will only take a business owner who is innovative, driven, committed and determined to thrive in this very lucrative but challenging line of business.

 

Things to Consider Before Setting Up a Supermarket in Nigeria

In order to be successful in this business, the following has to be taken into consideration while drawing out 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.

See: Businesses You Can Do in School

            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.

See: 10 Fast Selling Nigerian Snacks

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.

Read: New Steps to Register and Incorporate Your Business in Nigeria to PLC or LTD

            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.

ITEM Cost (₦)
Stock 500,000
Cash at Hand 120,000
Furniture 100,000
Generator Set 100,000
Rent 150,000
Miscellaneous 250,000
Total 1,220,000

 

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. It’s something you can do on your own, but if you need a consultant to guide you, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you have any question on this topic, let us know. We will provide answers to them as soon a possible.

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Ikponmwosa Aikhionbare

Ikponmwosa Aikhionbare is a Content Developer at InfoGuideNigeria.com. InfoGuide Nigeria is a team of Resource Persons and Consultants led by Ifiokobong Ibanga. Page maintained by Ifiokobong Ibanga. If you need a personal assistance on this topic, kindly contact us.

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48 Comments

  1. I love the idea thanx. But you some people have a selfish way of reasoning. .the might think i want to compete with them

  2. Hlo goodpm ,am glad i stumbled into this post its so multivating.pls i have a budget of 1million naira and i want to start up a supermarket here in Akwa ibom state.pls how do i know the material things needed in a supermarket and how can i get it cheaper ?

    1. I advise you firstly contact already established Supermarket business operators in Uyo, who have avid experience in the business. This would be a novel starting point even as you maximise the recommendations outlined in this material resource.

  3. I intend starting up a supermarket in Lagos but still considering the possibilities since the capital is not coming as expected… But is that idea ok?

  4. I have read all your write ups here, thank you so much for the wonderful helps. Pls what is the cost to run a small supermarket and where will I get goods at a cheaper price apart from Alaba int’l market, what about trade fair ?.

  5. Hi I was opportuned to come across your blog and I must admit that I was captivated by the content of your page. But I need your help.I want to set up a mini mart and I have a budget of 1.3 million naira. Can u guide me through as in the area of location and possibly rent fee for annual.thanks In anticipation for your favourable reply.

  6. Please, give me, as soon as you possibly can, a business plan for a supermarket in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

    Thank you.

    Regards,

    Aniedi Udeh.

  7. Good day, please I want to start up a mini supermarket in Uyo. I need to know where I can get goods at an affordable price also any mentorship will be highly welcome.

  8. pls i want to open a supermarket and i have a lot of questions to ask.kindly send me an email so i can get ur adress from dere.tnkz

  9. Hello…please how can a mini supermarket be managed without the owner been around… I know a sale person needs to be available but how do you monitor without being around?

    1. It’s difficult to take stock in a supermarket every time. So, I will advice you hire a store keeper you can trust.

  10. Hello I just got a 3bed room business flat on college road ogba and I would love to start up a supermarket. The flat is on d first floor having d direct road. Is it a good location for this type of biz. I need help on how to start and where to get my goods and how to monitor sales and stock for all d diff small items.

    1. Hello Wunmu, it’s even better that you have your business location already. kindly contact us for a custom business plan that will be based on your budget and location.

    1. Supermarket is profitable especially if you manage it very well. Just like any other buy and sell business, you buy goods and sell them for profits. The accumulative sales make it more profitable if you are in a booming location. kindly contact us for a custom business plan that will be based on your budget and location.

  11. HI, please I need a comprehensive feasibility studies on opening a mini supermarket. Can u assist me? Please send it to my email asap. Thank u.

  12. Hello, please is it advisable to open two super stores at a time. I just want to start and we are thinking of opening two. Can the two stores be in the same neighbourhood probably because of easy supervision. Thanks

    1. Hello Sani, I will advise you to open one first. This will allow you to focus all your attention to that one until it becomes successful. After that you can decide to open another one in a different place. Hope that helps.

    1. It depends on what type of good you are looking for. You can always find any type of goods at Alaba intn’l market

  13. Hi, I want to start a mini Mart but I do no have any experience. I already have a shop it is situated in a filling station so I need your advice on the type of goods to sell in such a place. Thanks.

    1. Hello Oiza,
      This would really depend on the location of the filling station. if it is located in a populated area, I would suggest that you stock up on regular house hold stuff like detergents, and grooming items. you can also venture into canned drinks, snacks (such as biscuits), gums and sweets. Just have it in mind that those that come to filling stations usually spend a pretty short time. For more info, please contact us at https://infoguidenigeria.com/contact-us/

  14. Please can I get your email for better communication . I want to open a supermarket and I need help big time. Thanks

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