The retailer has opened its 44th branch in the country and four new outlets in the last one month.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – Naivas Supermarket has moved into the retail space previously occupied by Nakumatt in Development House along Moi Avenue.
The retailer has opened its 44th branch in the country and four new outlets in the last one month.
In addition to the Utawala store, Naivas has moved into another Nakumatt space in South C and space previously occupied by Barclays Bank at the junction of Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue.
Naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani says the supermarket has had ambitions to expand in the lower side of Nairobi’s Central Business District.
“This is actually within our plan; we have always wanted to expand in this market because of the opportunity. In the case of Development House, the opportunity came up when space fell vacant and it aligned with what we have been looking for,” said Kimani.
He has allayed concerns that the retailer is expanding too fast, saying the growth is backed by proper research, market surveys and that it is well structured.
Unlike other players, Kimani explains, Naivas has not expanded to other countries.
“We still believe there is room in the market. Modern market in the country is currently at 30 percent meaning that there is actually a gap more so now that the former kings of retail are not as big as they used to be,” Kimani adds.
