What started as a single supermarket in 2015 has evolved into a nationwide retail powerhouse, as Sundry Markets Limited celebrates its 10th anniversary with an expanded footprint of 41 stores across 19 cities in 15 states under its flagship brand, Marketsquare.
The milestone underscores a decade-long expansion journey that has positioned the company as Nigeria’s largest indigenous grocery retail chain, with operations now spanning over 50,000 square metres of retail space and serving millions of customers annually.
The anniversary was marked at a gala themed “10 Years Strong – Powered by People, Driven by Purpose”, reflecting both the company’s growth narrative and its people-focused business philosophy.
“Why not Yenagoa?” — Founder reflects on humble beginnings
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ebele Enunwa, revisited the early scepticism that greeted the company’s first store location in Bayelsa State.
“Many asked, ‘Why Yenagoa?’ My answer was simple—why not? Every community deserves access to quality living,” he said. “Ten years ago, Sundry Markets was only a dream. Today, Marketsquare has become a household name across Nigeria.”
He also described the difficult early operating environment, especially infrastructure constraints that tested the business model.
“In the early days, the power supply could not sustain our systems. But we learnt, we adapted, and we grew. Customers were forced to shop in unreliable conditions. We chose to be part of the solution,” he added.
Scaling through economic headwinds and supply chain complexity
From its inception, the retailer’s growth has been shaped by Nigeria’s challenging operating landscape, including energy instability, logistics bottlenecks, and rising inflationary pressures.
Despite these constraints, Marketsquare steadily expanded from a handful of stores to 15 outlets by 2020, before more than doubling its presence to 41 stores by 2026.
Today, the company reports over 2 million monthly customers, supported by a supply ecosystem of more than 900 local suppliers, strengthening its role in domestic value chains.
Job creation and economic footprint deepen
Chairman of the Board, Charles Odita, emphasised the company’s broader socio-economic impact, particularly in employment generation and local enterprise development.
“From a handful of employees to thousands, Marketsquare has served millions, created jobs, and raised the bar for grocery retail in Nigeria,” he said.
He added: “Our contribution goes beyond retail. We have strengthened local economies, empowered businesses, and created opportunities that improve lives across the communities we serve.”
Over the past decade, the company has created more than 4,000 direct jobs, making it a significant private-sector employer within Nigeria’s formal retail ecosystem.
Recognition and growing international attention
The company’s expansion trajectory has also begun attracting global recognition, including acknowledgement by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies—an endorsement leadership attributes to operational discipline and consistency.
Vision 2030: tech-driven retail transformation ahead
Looking forward, Sundry Markets is preparing for its next phase of expansion under its Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on digital transformation, renewable energy adoption, and deeper penetration into underserved regions.
Enunwa outlined an ambitious technology-first roadmap for the future of retail.
“We are building technology-driven solutions that will redefine convenience and create experiences beyond imagination. Sundry Markets will continue to live, innovate, and inspire,” he said.
The company also signalled plans to integrate AI-driven systems and advanced retail technologies to improve customer experience, supply chain efficiency, and store operations.
With its footprint now firmly established nationwide, Sundry Markets appears set to sustain its aggressive growth trajectory. The combination of physical expansion, supplier integration, and digital investment suggests the company is positioning itself not just as a retail leader, but as a key player in the modernization of Nigeria’s grocery retail sector.