By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Struggling retail giant, OK Zimbabwe has announced the upcoming closure of its Food Lovers Market branches in Borrowdale and Avondale amid ongoing challenges in the retail sector.
In statements posted on social media, Food Lovers Market Zimbabwe confirmed that the Borrowdale store will close on June 8, 2025, while the Avondale branch will shut down on June 22, 2025.
OK Zimbabwe acquired the Borrowdale, Avondale, and Bulawayo Food Lovers Market outlets in 2023.
Despite efforts to sustain a presence in these areas, the company has decided to reevaluate its operations amid challenging market conditions.
In their farewell messages, Food Lovers Market expressed gratitude to the local communities.
The Borrowdale store announced, “Your local favourite daily fresh stop is saying goodbye. We want to let you know that Food Lovers Market Borrowdale will be closing shop on 8 June 2025.”
Similarly, the Avondale branch posted, “To our beloved Avondale community, a heartfelt thank you for your loyalty over the years. Food Lovers Market Avondale will be wrapping up trading on 22 June 2025.”
These closures follow OK Zimbabwe’s recent shutdown of several other branches, including locations in Robson Manyika, Glen Norah, Kuwadzana Express, Mbare in Harare, as well as Chitungwiza Town Centre.
The move reflects broader challenges in the retail sector, with many companies citing intense competition from the informal market as a major factor affecting their operations.