KENYA – Shoprite Holdings, Africa’s largest supermarket retailer headquartered in South Africa, has opened its third branch in Nyali, Coastal Kenya as it continues to consolidate its presence in the East African country.
Located in City Mall, the new store is expected to create over 115 new job opportunities, with 65 per cent to be occupied by women.
The branch will be Shoprite’s first outlet in the country with a seating area inside where customers will enjoy foods prepared in the store.
Shoprite Kenya General Manager, Andrew Mweemba said the expansion is an indicator of the retailer’s commitment in investing in the country.
“Now we are looking to establish a firm presence in Kenya, which according to Nielsen’s study is home to the second-largest retail centre in Africa, after South Africa,” said Mweemba.
Shoprite entered the Kenyan market last year December 2018 and launched it’s first branch at Westgate Mall in Nairobi, where their Kenya offices are located.
It’s second branch was opened early this year in March 2019 at the Garden City Mall in Nairobi. The retailer plans to open a fourth branch at the Karen Waterfront, Nairobi in September 2019.
“A lease agreement has been concluded with The Karen Waterfront and the Group will follow up on other opportunities as they become available.
“Shoprite sees a lot of potential in the country and is excited about the prospect of expanding its footprint over time,” Mweemba said.
Currently, shoprite has created over 240 jobs through its three operating branches in Kenya. “In addition to job creation, the Group contributes to the Kenyan economy by sourcing more than 80 per cent of its products from 345 local suppliers,” Mweemba adds.
In its latest investor update for the financial year ended June 2019, the retail chain disclosed that its had secured US$5.4 million from Stanbic Bank Kenya to facilitate part of its expansion in Kenya.
Currently having more than 2,700 stores in 15 African countries, the retailer is gearing up to compete with other retailers in Kenya including Naivas, Tuskys and Carrefour supermarkets who have set shop in some of the country’s biggest malls.
