NAIROBI, Kenya, May 22 – Kenyan clothing brand Vivo has opened its first store in the United States of America (USA) as it seeks to grow its market share beyond Africa.
Founded by Wandia Wachira and Anne Marie Burugu in 2011, Vivo specializes in ladies fashion brands that are manufactured locally.
Vivo currently has 23 retail stores in Kenya and Rwanda and over 360 employees, of whom 70 percent are women.
Speaking during the unveiling, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano welcomed the opening of the new store, emphasizing women’s empowerment as a driving force for national development.
“It gives me great pleasure and delight to be part of your team that’s witnessing the opening of the 26th Vivo Fashion Brands Store. It is true that, when you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” she stated, underscoring the broader implications of such entrepreneurial ventures.
She recognized the collaborative efforts within the fashion industry, highlighting other Kenyan brands such as Anjiru, Ikwetta, Soko, and Waithera who have been making inroads in foreign markets.
The opening of the Vivo store in Atlanta marks a significant milestone for the Kenyan fashion industry, symbolizing the global reach and influence of Kenyan entrepreneurs.
It also reflects the growing presence of African fashion on the international stage, with Atlanta serving as a strategic gateway to the American market.
America is one of the largest importers of Kenyan apparel.
However, clothes exported from Kenya to the US dropped by Sh5.9 billion to Sh50.8 billion last year, eaten by the global recession and slowdown in the US market.
