Naivas Supermarket has opened its 67th store in the country, occupying the former Nakumatt Lifestyle’s premier convenience store space. – By Gerald Gekara.
Occupying a massive 16,000 square feet, the Naivas Foodmarket is the fourth outlet in Nairobi CBD, after Ronald Ngala, Development House and Moi Avenue outlets.
The opening marks a nearly 8 year hiatus on the construction of the Hazina Towers, marred with scandals and squabbles with the Nairobi government.
The chain that has been steadily rising, took the position of Nakumatt supermarkets that slid from East Africa’s premier outlet to billions of dollars in credit.
Its main competitor, Tusky’s supermarket is on the verge of collapse after alleged disagreements in the management of the billion shilling superstore.
Kenya’s retail space has experienced a dynamic shift, with the likes of Quickmart supermarket springing up to command estates that were previously void of superstores.
The entrance of global players such as Carrefour, Shoprite and Game stores has seemingly moved to edge out local players from leafy suburbs. This is greatly attributed to their huge investment power and favourable working conditions.
