Stop & Shop Uyo — Uyo's Closed Market

_{Picture of the supermarket exterior}

I tend to see more Igbo people in supermarkets than real indigens of Uyo. 3 closed markets visited were managed by Igbo men. They are just the best entrepreneurs for this kind of business. I wouldn't have reviewed this supermarket if the manager in a particular supermarket had bought the idea of allowing me to review his place.

So I'll be reviewing one of the best supermarkets in Uyo, along Oron Rd. I think it's the best we have along Oron Rd, Uyo. Get detailed information about this place in the following categories.

Location and Background

Stop and Shop Uyo is an international supermarket located opposite a popular estate called Shelter Afrique. This popular estate has an extension that draws people to do basic shopping here. You can find its location in the Google Maps link below if you're living around this axis. You don't need to go as far as Uyo Market Square to make your purchases. Why? The location is a sure location for people living along this axis, and the prices are moderate as well for quality products and services.

_{screenshot of the place on Google maps}
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wysAb8j5NGeHyrLa8

If you're coming from Udo Udoma Avenue, it's just by the junction of shelter Afrique main entrance, on your left and if you're coming from Mbiabong, it's just by the junction as well, on your right. This supermarket has been in existence for 9 good years and counting. As an international brand, imported goods are brought to the shop to satisfy customers who want nothing but the best and that originality is there as there are a lot of fake products lately.

Brief History and Management

It was formally calledStop ñ Shop until they did a lot of rebranding, extensions and a change of name. It was difficult for people to pronounce; that's why they had to change it to something more convenient. The manager of this place is a young guy in his late 30s who's single and smart in business. He does take himself up high as a manager. He relates with his workers as if they are his colleagues and not workers.

The strong management from this young guy has kept this place running, and he always ensures there's orderliness in his business place and that the serenity of the place is considered at all times.

Size and Layout

It's actually a convenient place for shopping, though it's small and won't contain a large number of people shopping at once. The aisle and counters for payment of goods bought aren't that spacious, but it's very convenient, to be honest. I think 30 people can conveniently shop there at a time. The absence of trolleys is due to inadequate space in the aisle. Baskets are kept in every corner for shoppers to make use of.

_{shopping basket} | _{The size of their aisle}

It's large for the goods but small for a large number of shoppers. Every aisle has two sections that create it, and the sections are categorised into simple patterns that can be easily navigated. You'll know that this is a section for wine, groceries, frozen goods like ice cream, fish and other perishable foods that need to be kept in a deep freezer or chiller.

Let's talk about the wine section before going into groceries. **Just see how the wines are arranged in a uniform . I give a big hug to the person that took time to organise these wine bottles in a way that won't fall off when the body is placed mistakenly on the shelf. The groceries sections are also arranged in this same uniform way.

Wine section	groceries section

_{groceries section}

There's a section for packaged drinks and Beverages, different from other sections as shown in the pictures below. This beverage section is more like a separate shop from the main supermarket, housing just beverages which are categorised well. There's also a small fridge for chilled takeaway drinks.

_{Beverages section}

Product Variety

Products are of different varieties, ranging from imported to local products. These imported products are the wines because in estates round my city, big men don't joke with the quality of their wines. They also go far places to get the original ones. We also have imported footwear in this supermarket, footwear from different designer companies for the satisfaction of clients who need quality over quantity. Rice, wheat and other grains are imported as well.

_{section for imported footwears}

Local products are other basic necessities one may need when shopping. Aside from the special beverage section, there's a special section for all types of organic herbal medicine in tea sachets and liquids. There's also a chiller for fresh fruits that can perish if kept under normal temperature. Electronics are kept in their warehouse, which I couldn't have access to. Only staff and those who want to make purchases can access their warehouse.

_{section for organic herbal medicine}

Pricing and Discounts

Prices are affordable in this supermarket. I was shocked to see that the Fan ice-cream other supermarket sells at the rate of 500 is 300 in this place. Just imagine the price difference. Even though the prices are fixed, they are moderate for both the poor and rich to shop there. They offer season sales during November period. During this period, you can shop with 5% off anything you purchase, not above 200k which is 1176 steems. All expenses on the manager and owner of the store.

Quality and Freshness

The quality of their products is topnotch and they keep in check that any expired product is discarded. They have a group of people for that in each section they work. These one will update the manager on products that are 6 months close to their expiry date for sale off at an affordable rate. Their fruits and meats are kept in their chiller to maintain their freshness.

_{The quality of their frozen products}

They don't sell vegetables inside the supermarket. From the exterior of the place, you'll know how the interior will be. These are the prices of a few of their fresh products.

Items	Naira value	Steem price
Green apple	500 each	3
Lemonade	700 each	4.1
Fresh chicken back	1500 a pack	9
Total	2700	16.1

Customer Service

When I did shopping there some days ago, the staff situated at every corner of the supermarket helped me navigate where to get a particular product. He also helped me with a shopping basket to contain my goods. They were all so friendly and welcoming.

Even though work demands certain formalities in business, they weren't overly formal. Due to the size of the shop, they have two counters for payment to avoid overcrowding and delayed confirmation of goods purchased.

Facilities and Amenities

There has a considerable parking space since it's on the road. You'll have to park by the side of the road if the parking space is filled as it can only contain 5 cars comfortably. They also have a space for shopping baskets as trolleys won't contain the interior space if used for shopping.

_{Parking lots at the far end}

Facilities like their warehouse for wholesale purchase and electronics are seen at the top of their building. It can only be accessible if you want to make large purchases. The aisles are clean Goods aren't scattered around which makes the place uncomfortable.

Electricity

They run 24/7 power supply with CCTV cameras to monitor the activities of shoppers and two aircraft conditioners, mounted by the two opposite walls of the shop to balance the temperature in the shop. Not too cold and not too hot. Fans are placed.

fan	CCTV camera

_{air conditioner}

Personal Experience

I prefer this supermarket because their prices for goods are affordable and they sell original products in this place. It's just so convenient to do shopping despite the size. My first experience in this place was when their security stopped me from capturing the exterior of the place. He did that with a smile in his face. I had a good dialogue with him and that was how I became a friend to a security. I also found what I was looking for in that supermarket which no other close by supermarket had.

Picture of their account details	picture of payment slip
picture of the goods I bought	picture of me and the supermarket

If you're staying close along Oron Rd axis, I'll encourage you to visit Stop & Shop Uyo branch. A trial will convince you.

Type of place	Supermarket
Name of place	Stop & Shop Uyo
Location	Google Maps
Steem-atlas	[//]:# (!steematlas 4.99139798 lat 7.96609104 long Stop & Shop Uyo d3scr)
Address	Opposite Shelter Afrique Main Entrance
Opening Hour	7Am
Closing Hour	10pm
Gate fee	Free
Parking lots	Yes
On the Street	Yes
Website	Not applicable

I invite @johnmitchel, @dove11 and @chant