Java House has opened a new branch at Shell Ambercourt Jinja, adding another milestone to Vivo Energy’s convenience retail offer in Uganda.
Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell branded fuels and lubricants, has invested in a programme to upgrade its Shell service stations to offer a wider range of services to both shoppers and motorists who visit Shell service stations.
It is partnering with professionals who share in its ambition to invest and grow and provide better services to customers.
The ceremony – which was officiated by the CEO Vivo Energy Group, Mr Christian Chammas in the presence of the media, Shell retailers and senior management of Vivo Energy including the Vice President, Marketing and Supply of Vivo Energy Group, Mr David Mureithi and the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, Mr Hans Paulsen – was held at the newly refurbished Shell Ambercourt service station in Jinja.
Speaking during the opening of Java coffee house Vivo Energy Group CEO Christian Chammas said, “Our aim is to provide an exceptional retail experience at each of our sites, reaching more people with better products and services wherever we do business. We are investing significantly to make this ambition a reality”.
“Our service stations are meeting and exceeding the needs of customers, who want convenience and quality under one roof and who rightly expect the quality of Shell’s products to be mirrored by an equally high quality retail experience,” Chammas noted.
He added that the company is keen to partner with leading companies who share in Vivo Energy’s ambition to invest and grow to increase access to these services for customers.
Vivo Energy Uganda, Managing Director Hans Paulsen, noted that the economy is growing, the demand is growing, new suburbs and roads are opening up; and that obviously means that the company needs to provide for changing motorist needs.
“The growth in the country’s middle class, and the ongoing infrastructure development, are expected to drive demand for vehicles and machinery, so there is the demand for not only fuel, but also well-stocked retail shops and food courts,” Paulsen noted.
“At Vivo Energy we understand that customers are looking for more than just a fill-up when they drive to the Shell forecourts and it’s not just about the quality fuels and lubricants sold to the customers, but about delivering a complete service station experience,” said Paulsen.
The Business Development manager of Java House, Sam Imende, said that they are delighted to have partnered with Vivo Energy Uganda, allowing them to operate Java House outlets at Shell service stations in Uganda. “This partnership will benefit customers, giving them more convenience, quality and choice. We have a great relationship with Vivo Energy Uganda and are looking forward to increase our chain to more Shell service stations” he said.
Vivo Energy has also partnered with local and international restaurants to offer additional services to its customers across Africa, aimed at tapping into the growing middle class. Already, the company has partnered with other restaurants such as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Pizza Hut, Prunes, and Café Pap.
The newly refurbished Shell Ambercourt is fitted with a pharmacy, Stanbic Bank and Standard Charted Bank ATMs, PayWay utility payments, a Shell Select shop, an oil shop and a tyre centre.
Also speaking during the ceremony, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, Herman Kasekende said “Standard Chartered Bank is pleased to enter into a promising partnership with Vivo Energy Uganda that has seen us set up a new ATM at Shell Ambercourt, which we are commissioning today. This addition brings the bank’s current ATM network to 31 with more in the pipeline. This investment comes at the back of a hefty investment made early this year where the bank replaced 28 of its old ATMs with new and better ATMs and opened a new branch at Village Mall- Bugolobi. We are growing our franchise and channels by opening new ATMs as well as digital platformslike mobile and online banking, a clear manifestation of truly being “Here for Africa”.
“These investments are an expression of our confidence in the Uganda’s future and a clear symbol of our commitment to continue investing in key areas and core growth sectors to support sustainable development for the long term. We are making strategic and solid investments in Uganda in a bid to serve our clients more effectively and efficiently. We will continue realigning our resources to meet our clients ever changing needs and offer transactional convenience and accessible banking services. We appreciate Vivo Energy for this great partnership and the Central Bank for supporting innovation within the banking industry.” Herman concluded.