NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 16 – The Coca-Cola Company in Kenya has partnered with Thika Road Mall (TRM) in an attempt to boost businesses within the mall and bring Christmas cheers to customers as it slowly gets back to its feet following the COVID-19 pandemic that led to closures of some businesses within the mall.
The partnership is expected to help invigorate and enhance customers shopping experience in the Mall that is currently operating at a 25 percent loss.
“The last 9 months have been tough for our business following the ongoing pandemic which has affected most businesses in the mall. The partnership with The Coca-Cola company is part of our strategy to bring energy back to the businesses and will go a long way in ensuring that we attract customers back to the mall. We are implementing all health and safety guidelines to ensure that our customers have a worry-free and fun shopping experience” said Mr. Anand Garikipati, the CEO of TRM during the caravan launch.
The Coca-Cola Company will be carrying out experiential activities that will see a five-week tour of the iconic fairy-lit Coca-Cola trucks from 11 December. The trucks will visit several retailers and city centers across the country sampling product and providing products at discounted rates in the spirit of boosting businesses and rewarding their consumers.
“Coca-Cola has a rich heritage in creating fantastic Christmas campaigns that create anticipation and reward. This year, we’re delivering exciting new executions for our consumers around the country with the aim of bringing a little slice of Christmas happiness to our consumers as they celebrate the little joys in their lives even in the midst of the pandemic. We also aim to work closely with our traders to ensure a boost in their business” said Evanson Ndung’u, Coca-Cola Marketing Manager- Kenya.
Over the last few months Coca-Cola has been focusing on extending support to the local economies and micro-small businesses across the country to recover and reopen after the COVID-19 impact on the economy that saw most of them lose revenue and close.
The support is targeting 18,000 trade outlets across the country who will receive personal protective equipment including masks and face shields, handwashing jerrycans, sanitizers, and garden furniture to enable them to enforce the required social distancing. They will also be provided with communication and awareness materials related to COVID-19 safety and precautions
Speaking during the event, The Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Sales, and Marketing Director Josphat Mwangi, said that the company is committed to supporting both big and small businesses
across the country. He added that the company has already put aside a fund worth 125 million shillings in an “Open Like Never Before” initiative to support micro-retailers across the country.
