This stunning new store is a showcase of Food Lover’s Market’s theatre of food approach.
Food Lover’s Market, South Africa’s largest privately owned retailer,
opened its highly-anticipated Bothasig store on 20 October 2022 with a very positive
response from the local community and surrounds.
Brian Coppin, CEO and Co-Founder of the Food Lover’s Market Group says, “From the
overwhelmingly positive response before the opening, we are certain that this will become
the preferred store in the neighbourhood. We’re confident that we’ve created the best store
in the community – a superior shopping destination, where quality and variety are
exceptional and will delight every single consumer.”
The new jewel in the retailer’s crown is a stand-alone site, with a huge emphasis placed on
creating an environment of fresh and sustainable shopping. This includes energy
efficiencies, such as remote cabinet monitoring capability, ice storage systems for air-
conditioning and a solar panel that will generate 359.7 kWp DC of renewable electricity
annually.
These innovations form part of Food Lover’s Market’s sustainability journey – part
of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, spearheaded by its
Earth Lover’s division.
Creating the best store in the neighbourhood
“We’ve really thought long and hard about what it takes to be the best store in the
community in the current economic climate and have realised that it’s about offering a
‘whole’ shopping experience. It’s not just about theatre – although we are the best at
creating that visual appeal in our stores. It’s also about supporting the community by
offering value, quality, and choice.”
The new store will offer customers a unique one-stop shopping experience. The retailer
has been relentless in fostering outstanding supplier relationships, which means they can
offer a wide range of quality products at fantastic prices – this includes a grocery section
that is competitive in terms of range and price. The gourmet butchery boasts a team of 25
colleagues, dedicated to delivering a premium meat counter, with the feel of a traditional
butcher. Other departments within this 3000sqm space include fresh produce, an on-site
bakery, a wine section, a fresh seafood department, and cheese and deli counters. Hot food
offerings include Crispy Chicken, Bub’s Fish & Chips and Pie O’My, while The Fresh
Society, Love Health and Health & Happiness will appeal to the health-conscious shopper.
The Grab & Go includes a Sushi counter and a Biltong Bar, and a Seattle Coffee Co will
also be available at the entrance to the store.
Offering consumers visual appeal to delight young and old
Adults and children alike with be delighted by the animatronics dotted around the store.
Food Lover’s Market has transformed their traditional brick-and-mortar space into an
emporium to delight the senses by employing various animatronics and digital screens to keep the customer informed, entertained and engaged while shopping.
The theatre starts with a 9-metre Windmill beckoning shoppers from the road. On arrival, customers will be
greeted by a tree of life as they enter the fresh produce section, followed by a band of fresh
produce characters – an apple, avocado, strawberry, carrot and broccoli. A dancing
banana performs musical theatrics, and shoppers with a sweet tooth will be delighted with
the dancing doughnut in the bakery section.
The store will be managed by Valentino Ricciardi, a highly experienced retailer with 42
years under his belt. Valentino has been part of the Food Lover’s family for the past 29
years since its inception. He will have a team of 150 passionate team members to support
him. Most of the 200 team members have been sourced from the general area and
surrounds, including Du Noon, Milnerton and Edgemead, as well as current team
members who have asked to transfer as the store is based closer to home.
To celebrate the opening, FLM will have some amazing specials. Valentino selected his
favourite opening day specials:
Bananas at R6.99 per kg
750 ml Olive oil is R100 for 2
500grams Food Lover’s Salted Butter 3 x for R100
6 x 1 litre Food Lover’s Market Full Cream or Low Fat Milk for R69.99
Half lamb 89.99 kg
Shoppers are encouraged to watch the local press and the Food Lover’s Market website
for details of all the specials.
The store is located at the intersection of Link and Vryburger
Roads, Bothasig.
