From a room in Alex to the richest square kilometre in Africa — Theo Baloyi opens his 34th store

Congratulations are in order for Bathu CEO Theo Baloyi after he launched his 34th store at the Diamond Walk in Sandton.

Bathu was founded in 2015 after Theo decided to quit his 9-to-5 job as an accountant to commit to telling proudly untold township stories and he's since grown from strength to strength.

The official launch of the 34th store on October 6 saw some of Mzansi's industry elites including musician Busiswa, DJ Lamiez Holworthy, singer Cici and actress Rami Chuene  come out to support and witness the businessman's milestone. 

“I was just very humbled to open our 34th store, we've come a long way,” he told TshisaLIVE.

Theo spoke about starting his journey in Alex, to now giving his consumers a different customer experience in the richest square kilometre in Africa, which is testament that anything is possible.

“We couldn't be at our 34th store without our people so I truly appreciate it. If you look at our first store to this store, there's so much of a difference, and there's so much growth that comes from it. It hasn't been an easy journey.

“We are here because we listen to our consumers, some of them have gone above and beyond to buy our brand, driven kilometres to get our product. But, with that said, there's been a big ask of getting a store that is central and convenient, with a different customer experience.”

This store is unique from the others as consumers will be able to interact with the brand over a drink without the hassle of a crowd, Theo anticipates.

“The experience and the stores are different from each other, this one is a different store because it's a concept store. We work with people who understand our brand who have made all of this possible,

“It's a store that you can come chill in and shop around, make an appointment, have a drink. You experience our products without the crowd and I'm sure two years from now it will be a different experience.”

The Bathu brand is affiliated with some of Mzansi's biggest A-listers including Somizi Mhlongo, Amaroto, Pamela Mtanga Toss & TDK Macasette, Khanyi Mbau, Lamiez Holworthy and her husband Khuli Chana.

“Our brand talks about journey and we want to associate ourselves with anyone who is on a journey of greatness and with so doing. We want to meet our consumer at a passion products so we walk the journey with brands that we align with in terms of principles, brands, and values.”  

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