Checkers opens its largest fully certified halaal store in Westville
With its strategic location, extensive job creation, and focus on halaal offerings, the new Checkers store promises a unique shopping experience that caters to the diverse tastes of the Westville community, setting a new standard in the retail landscape of South Africa.
Image: Supplied.
This week marked a significant milestone for South African retail as Checkers unveiled its largest fully certified halaal store at Saxony Westwood Mall in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal.
The opening not only raises the bar for culturally inclusive shopping but also bolsters the local economy by creating over 212 job opportunities, including 94 new positions and 10 management roles.
In a pioneering collaboration with the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT), the store boasts comprehensive halaal certification across all departments.
This commitment ensures that customers can shop with confidence for a variety of products, ranging from fresh meats in the butchery to baked goods in the bakery and ready-to-eat meals in the deli.
Emphasising flavour and culture, the Saxony Westwood store features a vibrant food court, which delights shoppers with an array of tempting treats.
Highlighting a fusion of tastes, customers can indulge in Dubai-inspired desserts layered with kataifi and pistachio cream or relish classic doughnuts.
Refreshing beverage options include Indian-inspired teas like Karak chai and refreshing slushies, while the bakery showcases daily offerings of mithais, baklava, and Middle Eastern flatbreads.
A standout highlight is the deli’s wood-fired tandoors, serving authentic Tandoori chicken, meats, vegetables, and naan breads, freshly cooked on-site.
Turkish doner machines in the deli expertly prepare traditional shawarmas, ensuring that every culinary need is met under one roof.
With its strategic location, extensive job creation, and focus on halaal offerings, the new Checkers store promises a unique shopping experience that caters to the diverse tastes of the Westville community, setting a new standard in the retail landscape of South Africa.
Image: Supplied.
“This store builds on the foundation laid by Checkers Foods Cowey Park in Essenwood, Durban, the first halaal store in the province. Now we have elevated the scale, sophistication, and customer experience to new heights,” said Riaz Cotwal, Divisional Manager for Checkers KwaZulu-Natal.
He emphasised that every detail, from the store's design to its product selection, has been meticulously crafted to enhance the retail experience.
“Checkers Westwood blends world-class retail with the tastes and values of the local community,” Cotwal added, underscoring the intention behind this ambitious project.
Operating from 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 20:00 Friday to Sunday, Checkers Saxony Westwood Mall is managed by Junaid Mahomed Hassen, who transitioned to this role from Checkers Foods Cowey Park.
BUSINESS REPORT