THE Woermann Group this year plans to open new supermarkets in Okahao, Eenhana, Outapi and Mariental, while major upgrades are planned for the Oshakati Wholesale and Woermann Punyu Supermarket in Ondangwa.

"Namibians in many regions of the country still travel tremendous distances to obtain general merchandise. By investing in supermarkets or wholesalers at these locations we can offer the communities in those areas substantial savings and convenient access to foods and other items," Woermann general manager Rudolph Fourie said in a statement.

The Hyper in Khomasdal will also receive a major redo to coincide with the launch of the Palm Grove Shopping Centre.

The installation of new WB Chicki Franchise Fast Food outlets are currently underway in Tsumeb and Grootfontein, while Outapi, Eenhana and Khomasdal Woermann Supermarkets will each be complimented with WH Chicki outlets later in the year. The Woermann group currently has 17 supermarkets, eight hypermarkets and 8 Chicki fast-food outlets in the country.

"We are confident that 2013 will be a good year for our group," Fourie said.