Checkers opens fully halal-certified store at Crawford Centre in Athlone

Checkers has opened its first fully halal-certified store in the Western Cape, located at the Crawford Centre in Athlone. The new 1,000 square metre store welcomed excited shoppers, staff, and business representatives on its opening day. Checkers’ divisional head buyer, Zunaid Essop, expressed delight at opening the store, stating that it would cater to the local community's tastes and values.

The store, created in collaboration with the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa, is fully halal-certified across all departments. It has generated 70 job opportunities, including 26 new positions. Ismael Ebrahim of the Mabel Property Development Group highlighted the importance of offering a retail experience tailored to local needs, noting KwaZulu-Natal's previous launch of halal stores.

Local suppliers, such as Bibi’s Kitchen and Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat, welcomed the opportunity to stock products in a major retailer. Store Manager Fatima Pearce emphasized the significance of the store's halal focus in attracting Athlone and surrounding area shoppers, with the community's support being her highlight of the morning.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the store opened its doors to the public, with shoppers praising the halal convenience section and expressing appreciation for the local suppliers' involvement.