KENYA – Naivas Supermarket, a leading local retailer in Kenya, has opened a new store along Thika Road, marking its second store opening this year.
The newly unveiled branch at Shell Survey, North View along Thika Road brings the total number of Naivas outlets to 103, with 15 strategically located along Thika Road, a bustling commercial and residential artery in Kenya.
The company is set to open two more stores in Lang’ata and Buruburu in the coming weeks, pushing its branch network to 105 nationwide.
“We have planned five outlets by the end of this year. Our approach is scientific; we are doing more feasibility studies before we launch into any new location. Our expansion is based on those feasibility studies and viability of those sites,” Denis Makori, Naivas Senior Commercial Manager, stated.
The retail chain, with over 12,000 employees, has become one of the largest private sector employers in Kenya after opening several branches in the past 12 months.
“Even as we celebrate this milestone, we are cognizant of the fact that we are in uncharted waters by being the very first supermarket in the country to scale beyond 100 branches,” Andreas von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas, emphasized.
The new Thika Road branch is part of a mixed-use development, including a multinational fast-food chain and a petrol station, providing shoppers with a comprehensive experience.
As Naivas pushes towards its goal of 105 stores, its cautious expansion strategy underscores the importance of thorough feasibility studies and sustainability in its growth trajectory.
This expansion comes amid a competitive retail landscape, with Quickmart, a close rival, recently opening its 60th store in Narok town.
Quickmart celebrates milestone with opening of 60th store in Narok Town
Meanwhile, Quickmart has officially opened its 60th store, strategically located in Situated at Basic Moran Narok, at the junction of Nairobi-Narok-Bomet Highway, Narok town.
During the opening ceremony, Quickmart’s Chief Marketing Officer, Betty Wamaitha, expressed excitement about expanding the company’s footprint in Kenya and serving the people of Narok.
“At Quickmart, we are dedicated to serving our customers with excellence, and we are excited to bring our unique shopping experience to the residents of Narok,” she stated.
Quickmart’s expansion strategy is guided by its mission to offer quality products, convenient locations, and unparalleled customer service to shoppers across Kenya.
The supermarket chain, established in Nakuru in 2006, has rapidly grown its presence and currently operates in 16 counties, employing a workforce exceeding 7,000 employees.
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