Fashion

Chinese monobrand store opens fourth outlet in CBD

zopo

A man at the Zopo store along Standard Street in Nairobi. PHOTO SALATON NJAU | NMG

The black and white storefront signage for Zopo along Kaunda Street is the latest addition to the ‘high street' of Nairobi City Centre.

Through the glass display, the contrast is quite evident with colourful polo neck T-shirts lined up from bright greens and pinks.

The Chinese store has opened its fourth outlet in Kenya, a year after it debuted its brand in Nairobi.

“We are a high-quality, mid-price brand. We have had experience with African men and can tailor and fit to their needs,” said Jimmy Wang, Zopo’s director, stating that the brand has been operating in Angola for nearly half a decade.

The label has been on a rapid expansion in Kenya, pivoting on Nairobi for penetration of the East African market.

“We are targeting the foot traffic in the Central Business District for the new store. It is part of the ten shops we plan on having. We are looking at one at the Junction, two in the CBD and one on Mombasa Road,” said Moses Ngatia, Business Manager for Zopo in Kenya.

Zopo Limited is owned by Hangzhou Zhipin Industrial Co. Ltd – one of the biggest textile industries in China founded in 2012. It set up its first store in Nairobi at Garden City mall last year in June, expanding with stores in Thika Road Mall and Two Rivers mall.

The male models in Royal blue blazers and white pants are tailored to appeal to lovers of the new slim fit trend popular locally.

Zopo has an assortment of blazers for the basic to the colourfully stylish, ties, shirts, pants and belt as well as accessories just for men.

The brand is one of many targeting the mid-range of the Kenyan market.

South Africa- based Mr Price Group took over direct control of its Kenyan business from Deacons East Africa. The brand is largely targeting the mid-priced market with younger clientele being the focus.

Pierre Cardin two months ago opened through a local franchisee deal, adding to the monobrand shops in Kenya beelining for Nairobi’s wealthy and middle-class shoppers.

Japanese lifestyle retail brand — Miniso, will also open its store at The Hub Karen in August. The French sports retailer — Decathlon, will follow suit in September.

This will boost availability of fashion brands for the Kenyan shopper.

READ: Japan’s Miniso opens shop at Nairobi malls

Japanese, French lifestyle retailers to open stores at The Hub