Naivas opens two new branches in expansion drive

Naivas Supermarket will open two more stores next week as it continues its expansion in the competitive retail market.

The first outlet to be opened in the week starting November 23 will be at the Lifestyle Mall in Nairobi’s central business district, a space that was previously occupied by Nakumatt.

The second store, set to be opened in the same week will be situated in Rongai town, targeting hundreds of shoppers around the region.

The upcoming stores will raise the retailer’s branch network across the country to 68.

“The two stores will be opened next week. The Lifestyle Mall branch will be operational in the week starting November 23. We expect the other branch in Rongai to be opened the same week,” said Naivas’ chief commercial officer Willy Kimani.

He said the two outlets will offer packed foods, fresh vegetables and fast-moving consumer goods such as beverages. It will also stock clothes, electronics as well alcohol, among other items.

The stores will offer employment opportunities to about 240 workers.

Naivas plans to open an additional two outlets before the year end, a move that will bring its total branch count to 70.

The company and its rival Carrefour are among the retailers that are spending heavily to expand, seeking to fill voids left by collapsed and beleaguered supermarkets.

Tusksys, for instance, has been rapidly shutting stores over the past few weeks on the back of a heavy debt and insufficient working capital.

The collapse of former retail giant Nakumatt Holdings also left scores of prime locations that Naivas and Carrefour have moved into.