Food Lover’s Market Closes Avondale and Borrowdale Stores

Food Lover’s Market Closes Avondale and Borrowdale Stores

Food Lover’s Market has announced it will shut down two of its Harare stores — Avondale and Borrowdale — before the end of June 2025.

Food Lover’s Market Closes Avondale and Borrowdale Stores

The Borrowdale branch will be the first to go, officially closing on 8 June, while the Avondale outlet will follow two weeks later on 22 June.

The company confirmed the closures on social media and thanked its customers for their support over the years. It also invited shoppers to enjoy daily in-store specials as a gesture of appreciation during the stores’ final days.

In a message to the Avondale community, the retailer said it’s wrapping up trade but still offering “fresh value” with daily specials before the doors close for good. Similarly, the Borrowdale post described the store as a “local favourite” and thanked customers for their loyalty.

Closure Follows OK Zimbabwe’s Takeover and Restructuring

The store shutdowns come nearly two years after OK Zimbabwe — the country’s largest retail group — acquired Food Lovers Market Zimbabwe in 2023. The deal included the Avondale, Borrowdale, and Bulawayo Bradfield outlets, marking OK Zimbabwe’s shift into premium grocery retailing.

However, not all Food Lovers locations were part of the sale. The Greendale branch was left out of the deal and continues to operate independently.

Also read: Details: OK Zimbabwe Secretary explains branch closures (Video)

Tough Economy Forces Cost-Cutting and Fundraising

The closure of the two branches appears to be part of OK Zimbabwe’s efforts to streamline operations and regain financial stability. In April 2025, the company announced it was looking to raise US$30 million through a mix of rights issues, private investments, and loans. The money is intended to help restock shelves and pay off debts to suppliers.

At the time, the company blamed both internal and external pressures for its cash flow issues but did not go into specifics.

So far, there has been no word on whether the Bulawayo Bradfield store — the last remaining Food Lovers Market from the acquisition — will also be affected.

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