SA retailer Shoprite expands in Nairobi

Shoprite Holdings, has opened its second supermarket in Kenya at the Garden City Mall in Nairobi.

South African based retail giant, Shoprite Holdings, has opened its second supermarket in Kenya at the Garden City Mall in Nairobi.

Shoprite opened its first Shoprite store in Kenya at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi in December 2018 and has unveiled plans of opening more branches across the country within the year.

Andrew Mweemba, Shoprite Kenya general manager, revealed that they are looking to open a further two in Nairobi’s Waterfront Karen Mall and Mombasa’s Nyali City later this year.

Mr Mweemba said that Shoprite has entered into a partnership agreements with 28 fresh produce suppliers from across the country to ensure a steady and consistent supply to its esteemed customers.

“We guarantee our suppliers prompt payments as this is key to maintaining a fresh supply of farm produce and other goods to our customers,” he said.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed retailer is looking to grow its footprint in Kenya, a market with 33 percent formal retail penetration making it the continent’s second-biggest retail centre after South Africa, according to a Nielsen study.

“Shoprite is committed to supporting Kenyan enterprises and to this end 100 percent of the supermarket chain’s extensive fresh produce selection is sourced locally,” Kevin Waweru, Shoprite Garden City Branch Manager noted.

Mr Mweemba said the firm’s first store in Kenya at the Westgate Mall has so far employed 140 workers with the new store, which has a 3,572 metres squared operating space, set to offer an additional 120 opportunities.

Garden City’s managing director Chris Coulson welcomed Shoprite as its anchor tenant saying the move will grow the mall’s clientele business.

The Kenyan retail sector has experienced turbulent times over the last few years, reflected by closure of business by some supermarket chains due to liquidity challenges.

Shoprite, among other foreign retailers have however made their way into the sector taking over locations formerly operated by cash-strapped retailer such as the Nakumatt.

Shoprite is Africa’s largest retailer with more than 2,700 stores in 15 African countries.