South African retailer Shoprite will open the first of seven planned stores in the country at the Westgate Mall following the exit of ailing retailer Nakumatt.
Shoprite is targeting the high end clientele the mall attracts to become the anchor tenant and boost foot traffic.
The South African retailer will also take up space at the Garden City mall off Thika Road.
The entry of international supermarkets intensifies pressure on local retailers with some bowing to financial pressure and closing strategic branches.
Carrefour for instance, which has been opening in Kenya since 2016 has taken advantage of Nakumatt’s struggles snapping up its prime locations after failing to honor rent payments.
Tuskys is currently considered Kenya’s biggest retailer with 71 stores in Kenya and Uganda.
