Shoprite, Africa’s largest retailer has opened its second supermarket at the Garden City mall in Nairobi.
The Johannesburg bourse-listed South Africa retailer has already employed 120 workers amid plans by the firm to roll out two more outlets before the year ends. The retailer which just opened its first store in the country last year at the Westgate Mall, has further plans to open two more supermarkets at Nairobi’s Karen Waterfront Mall and Mombasa’s Nyali City according to Andrew Mweemba, Shoprite Kenya general manager.
Mr Mweemba also says that the retailer has already entered into partnership agreements with 28 fresh produce suppliers from across the country.
“We guarantee our suppliers prompt payments as this is key to maintaining a fresh supply of farm produce and other goods to our customers,” he said.
On the other hand, according to Kevin Waweru, who is the branch manager, the new Shoprite at Garden City will have in-store fresh food departments including a Meat Market, Hot & Cold Foods Deli, Bakery and Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. “Shoprite is committed to supporting Kenyan enterprises and to this end 100% of the supermarket chain’s extensive fresh produce selection is sourced locally,” he said.
Shoprite, which has 2,700 stores in 15 countries, is now looking to establish a firm presence in Kenya, a market with 33% formal retail penetration making it the continent’s second-biggest retail center after South Africa, according to a Nielsen study.
