1950
Novis, meaning “novelty” in Latin, was established in 1950, and started off with a small shop in Piazza, the center of Addis Ababa. Within a few years, the same shop expanded rapidly, and another store was opened near the National Theater. Selling gold, silver, souvenirs, leather products, sports cups, toys and household goods; the company was doing very well. It was one of the favorite spots for the Imperial Palace, ministers, high officials, presidents, foreigners, and people who were in search for quality.

1974
When the revolution started, the company obviously faced hard times. However, it survived the war, and prospered during Mengistu Haile Mariam’s time. This government always made sure that Novis furnished their house, and all ministers were clients and when important gifts were to be made, orders were to buy them there. Even though times were hard, Novis continued doing business, and maintained the reputation of being the only quality good store in town, but due to government law was not allowed to venture in new investments.

1991
After a period of seventeen years, with the new policy of free investment, Novis felt the need and found the opportunity to expand business. Within one year, we obtained a license to import food and beverages. Novis was the first real supermarket in Ethiopia. During Mengistu’s time, there was only one supermarket, but it was only for diplomats, where one could buy only in foreign currency.

We started with a small supermarket at Old Airport. Eventually, the store became too small for the goods imported, and for the clients’ demands. One year and half later they opened a bigger one just a couple of hundred meters from the first one. Needless to say that if you wanted to buy quality goods, weather food, household goods, or toys you went to Novis.

One year after moving, we invested in a new shop at the Hilton. Being in the center of Addis Ababa, and the only quality hotel at the time, the investment was perfect, attracting all local clients as well as hotel guests. After two years of the Hilton Supermarket opening, Novis opened their biggest and the biggest supermarket in town, located in on Bole road.