This founder is taking a Nigerian retail solution to Canada and the US
Tech • 1h ago
**Nigeria's Retail Revolution Takes on North America**
Imagine strolling into a store, grabbing the items you need, and walking out without ever waiting in line or dealing with a cashier. Sounds like a glimpse into the future, right? This concept, pioneered by Jump n Pass in Nigeria, has fascinated many, but adoption has been slower than expected. However, a Nigerian entrepreneur in Canada thinks the idea deserves another shot – this time, in North America.
Samuel Ayo Oyedemi, a Lagos-born founder, has launched SKAAP, a similar scan-and-go system that's taking Canada and the US by storm. But, unlike Jump n Pass, Oyedemi's vision is not a copy-paste job. He sees the Nigerian experiment as validation of a problem worth solving, rather than a solution to be replicated.
Growing up in Lagos, Oyedemi's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. He sold doughnuts in secondary school, washed cars, and even experimented with failed ventures like an adire clothing business. His experiences taught him the value of hard work, resilience, and building trust with customers. These lessons would later serve him well in his Canadian adventures.
After relocating to Canada, Oyedemi landed a sales role for a US startup, where he learned the importance of reputation and trust in the North American market. This understanding would shape his approach to SKAAP, which he founded while working at Lululemon.
The idea for SKAAP was born during a peak holiday rush, when Oyedemi witnessed the frustration of long queues at a retail store. He saw an opportunity to create a seamless shopping experience that would allow customers to simply scan, skip the line, and escape. Unlike Jump n Pass, SKAAP has added a twist to make it more appealing to North American consumers.
So, how does SKAAP work? When you enter a store, you scan a barcode, and the system takes care of the rest. No more waiting in line or dealing with cashiers. This frictionless retail experience is now being offered to Canadian and American shoppers, with Oyedemi's vision to revolutionize the way people shop.
As Nigeria's retail revolution takes on North America, Oyedemi's story serves as a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability. Can SKAAP succeed where Jump n Pass faltered? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of retail is looking exciting, and Nigeria's entrepreneurs are leading the charge