Pick N' Pay and First National Bank Botswana (FNB) launched the latest grocery franchise chain here over the weekend.

The Managing Director of the Pick N' Pay franchise, which is replacing Score Stores in Botswana and South Africa, Charles Maika and the project funder FNBB hosted a feast for prospective customers with unlimited access at John Mackenzie Grounds.

The event was a veritable gourmand's affair themed Pick N' Pay Mokete where people feasted on different treats and assorted drinks as well as accessed information.

Maika told the audience that this Pick and Pay - which is replacing Score Stores in Botswana and South Africa - aimed to help Batswana with employment and good service.

Maika said things were difficult at the beginning, but "with the help of FNBB, things became easier. The bank helped out a lot towards achieving this goal".

FNB provided loan finance under terms that will have it involved in the running of the business "so they can monitor what is happening with the money they loaned us instead of us sending them reports through faxes or e-mails".

"Francistown deserves a supermarket like Pick N' Pay as part of its development," he said. "Today's buyer wants quality, cleanliness and fresh produce that looks appealing. That is how we are going to be doing business at this Pick N' Pay."

Asked about employment, Maika said they 'inherited' 21 permanent employees from Score who had remained on the payroll after Score ceased trading, then hired and trained 68 new employees.

FNB has a kiosk inside the shop and two ATMs outside. Several banking services, except cash transactions, will be available in the store even after banking hours.

The new Pick N' Pay will open its doors to customers on November 12.