Nakumatt Holdings has expressed optimism at the economic prospects in the Coastal region as it opened its 52nd branch in Bamburi, Mombasa. Managing Director Atul Shah said the leading retail chain is confident that economic recovery at the coast will spur demand.
Beyond tourism, Mr Shah said that Nakumatt is banking on the region’s emerging position as an agricultural and real estate investment destination. Speaking at the opening of the Sh190 million Nakumatt Bamburi Supermarket, he urged private sector investors to invest in the region.
“The prospects of economic recovery in the Kenyan coastal region are very bright for any investor who is seeking to play a development partner role with all Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and other neighbouring counties,” Mr Shah said. “As Nakumatt opens its 52nd branch here in Mombasa, we are effectively confirming that we shall continue joining hands with the people of Mombasa to fuel development in this region.”
The Nakumatt Bamburi supermarket, located at the new Bamburi Centre, targets customers largely drawn from the fast growing Bamburi Mtamboni estates. The store is has been outfitted with a range of energy efficient water cooled air-conditioning and refrigeration units as part of Nakumatt’s bid to cut its energy costs by more than 40% by the year 2017.
The new Nakumatt Bamburi Supermarket covers a shop floor area of more than 30,000 square feet, and is equipped with a range of energy efficient freezers, chillers, air dispersion units and lighting systems which are some of the notable high energy consuming elements in the retail sector.
Having kicked off its energy management project during the opening of Nakumatt Malindi two years ago, the retailer is targeting operational cost savings of up to Sh800 million through the use of new generation in store showcase units.