KENYA – Kenya’s leading retailer Tusker Mattresses, which operates Tuskys Supermarkets and Mavazi Lifestyle Clothing stores has opened a new branch in the coast regional.

Located in Oasis Shopping Mall in Malindi, the new branch brings the retailers outlets in the country to 58, further confirming the resilience of homegrown retail players in this market.

Covering a shop floor area of more than 50,000 Square Feet, the new Tuskys Malindi store features a unique retail store fit-out incorporating various fully stocked sections including food stuff and groceries sections as well as general merchandise.

Speaking in Malindi, Tusker Mattresses Group CEO, Dan Githua said the opening of the new branch is part of the firm’s commitment to consolidating its market presence in strategic towns and locations in Kenya.

Mr Githua noted that the outlet will bridge a longstanding fair pricing barrier in Malindi.

“Our main proposition to the shoppers of Malindi will be fair pricing. We have realised that groceries here including foodstuff are about 10% more expensive than Mombasa and we are committing to bridge the gap by offering similar prices to those enjoyed by our Mombasa or Nairobi customers,” Githua said.

“With the opening of Tuskys Malindi, we are also enhancing the variety of products available here. Malindi residents will no longer need to travel to Nairobi or Mombasa to purchase quality electronics and furniture items.”

According to a report by Capital News, Mr Githua confirmed that Tusker Mattresses has invested more than Sh50 million ($0.5 million) in the restocking and fit-out of the branch to Tuskys brand standards.

“At Tuskys, we appreciate the support provided by our business partners including suppliers, staff members among others who have enabled us to maintain market leadership,” Githua said,

“The retail market, is a barometer of economic performance and we are encouraged that the economy is beginning to show positive recovery signs.”

In the Coastal region, Tusker Mattresses operates other branches in Mombasa Mainland, Mtwapa and Kilifi.

The opening of Tuskys Malindi, extends the market leadership currently enjoyed by local retail operators against multinational players.