Biggest issues with modern retailing in Nigeria are logistics and finance -Kabir Shagaya

Zippy logistics recently launched a national campaign tagged #IspotZippy aimed at rewarding consumers in celebration of the festive season. Kabir Shagaya, the managing director of Zippy Logistics said IspotZippy campaign is a two week online and offline campaign to further propel the spirit of Christmas. In this interview with John Salau  he  spoke further on the initiative underscoring the firm’s contribution to the logistics value-chain in Nigeria.   Excerpts

The logistics environment in Nigeria is challenging; so what is Zippy logistics doing differently?

Zippy Logistics is a one-stop supply chain and logistics company. We facilitate trade services, connecting buyers and sellers in modern retail trade nationwide; we cover procurement, inventory management, warehousing and e-commerce dispatch. Through Tranzipp, we have facilitated trade by creating access to retail outlets. We serve large modern trade and retail facilities nationwide such as Shoprite, SPAR, Game, Market square, Foodco and others.

What innovation has Zippy logistics contributed to the Nigerian supply chain?

Zippy has designed and executed the most efficient way to fulfil modern trade deliveries across Nigeria. Our unique value proposition allows for fixed logistics costs and brand visibility nationwide. We manage a weekly schedule which covers all major supermarket outlets nationwide and we make sure it remains cost effective by creating a national package which allows our clients to enjoy a universal price irrespective of location.

How has the innovation helped to improve or ease the transportation of goods in the market place?

Our system allows for distribution of goods to various locations regardless of quantity without paying premium price.

Logistics and finance seems to be the biggest challenge for start-ups, how is Zippy positioned to help players in the sector?

We at Zippy have noticed that the two biggest issues with modern trade retail in Nigeria are Logistics and Finance. Seeing as we have a solution that already addresses the logistics problem effectively, we alongside our partners at Providus Bank have designed a product to allow supermarket vendors receive payment at point of delivery and not have to wait for their agreed payment terms with the supermarkets. This will help the businesses with their cash flow situation and enable SME’s to compete on a level playing field with the larger players in the industry.

Read also: Ikpeazu inaugurates SME microfinance bank in Aba

The company recently launched a campaign tagged, ‘IspotZippy’ what is it about?

The IspotZippy campaign is a two  week online and offline campaign taking off during this festive season. The aim is to further propel the spirit of Christmas; sharing happiness and giving long lasting gifts to all our customers and supporters of our brand over the last six years.

What are prizes to be won?

So, this is the second edition of the IspotZippy campaign. The first time we did it we gave out tickets to New York, Paris and London. We had a lot of participation from our fans and supporters and the feedback was very positive. The whole idea was to mark a milestone when we had reached a significant stage in the e-commerce logistics industry at that time. We wanted to achieve top of mind awareness to the point that you would now pay attention to how many zippy bikes you see in a day. Now over the last few years we have diversified; and our business has evolved into a modern trade retail supply chain company. We now cover every major supermarket chain across the country on a weekly basis with a significant fleet of trucks. Our footprints are present in every Shoprite, SPAR, Game, Market square, Foodco, Justrite, Ebano and other locations which we visit at least once a week nationwide; we felt these supermarkets would be fitting as the site for our holiday festivities.

Who are those eligible to participate in this campaign?

Everyone! All you have to do is go into any Shoprite store nationwide and take a picture. The whole idea is to appreciate all our supporters and let them know that we are grateful for the trust and faith they have in our various business ventures. It is as simple as a visit to your favorite store and taking a picture with our representative to upload on Instagram using the appropriate tags. It is our way of giving back to those who have indirectly supported our business. However, it is a part of a larger strategy which we are launching early next year. Consumers can expect innovation and exceptional customer service levels from us going forward.