Harare — ZIMBABWE'S fastest-growing supermarket chain Shoppa Stoppa has rolled out 14 outlets in the last 12 months, sinking in US$3,5 million in the process.

Shoppa Stoppa now runs 15 supermarkets across the country with three more set to open in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Gokwe before year-end.

Proprietor William Mutomba said the outlet rollout was concentrated on the country's major highways, but would soon include remote locations.

The country's retail sector has become so attractive that it has caught the attention of international retail giants Shoprite and Pick 'n Pay of South Africa.

Shoprite has a supermarket in Bula-wayo and has tabled proposals to acquire OK Zimbabwe while Pick 'n Pay is reportedly seeking to increase its stake in TM Supermarkets.

Asked whether Shoppa Stoppa would stand the heat against the retail giants that would be in the country, Mr Mutomba said they were ready for competition.

"We are not afraid of competition. Competition is healthy and good for customers.

"When new players come they will not sink us, they will find us swimming," he said.

Shoppa Stoppa is one of the three rising stars of emerging supermarket chains in the country that also includes Food World and Afro Foods.

Mr Mutomba said the local retail sector had become so attractive to an extent that it has put the supermarket chain on a sustainable growth path.

He said at the moment, the supermarket chain was raking in revenue of over US$2 million a month and has struck a deal with suppliers of leading brands, which is expected to boost revenue to around US$5 million a month.

Retail business has become profitable in Zimbabwe following the switch to the multicurrency system that it has become possible for indigenous businesspeople to make inroads into a sector international investors are eyeing.

However, the supermarkets have been riding on the inability by customers to direct their low income elsewhere apart from spending most of it on basics.