Shoprite Ventures into the Kenyan Market as it Opens First Outlet

Shoprite opened its maiden outlet in the Kenyan market for trading on Thursday.

The 50,000-square-feet flagship store at Westgate is fitted out to the latest specification of Shoprite’s premium ‘Checkers’ brand.

Shoprite, which operates more than 2700 stores in 14 countries outside of South Africa, promises a diversified product range and consistent value for shoppers in the Kenyan market.

The retailer has entered the country to strengthen its position in East Africa, with Kenya being the region’s strongest economy.

Shoprite will open at Garden City in early 2019 and will follow up on other opportunities in the city as they become available, in addition to the potential for future expansion outside of the capital.

Ben Woodhams, Managing Director at Knight Frank Kenya, said that they were delighted that Shoprite had chosen to launch in Kenya with the premium Checkers level of fit-out at the Westgate Shopping Mall.

“I believe shoppers will be impressed by the quality of this fantastic new store – a real first for Kenya,” said Ben Woodhams.

Westgate Shopping Mall now has a Gross Lettable Area of 267,881 sq ft following the completion of Phase II of the restoration. The second phase of restoration opened officially for trading on October 16, adding over 82,000 sq ft to the shopping center development.

The shopping mall is built to the highest international standards and the development would stand out in any part of the world. Westgate’s restoration added more internal exclusive roads and parking spaces in the shopping mall to now accommodate over 700 cars.

The mall also has a street-style pop-up market and a children’s play area.

Ashmi Shah, Retail Portfolio Manager at Knight Frank Kenya, noted that with Shoprite’s opening at Westgate Shopping Mall as the anchor tenant, together with some fantastic international brands, the mall will record further growth in footfall with its enriched shopper experience.

Knight Frank Kenya also signed up Miniso for Westgate, which has opened alongside other flagship outlets for international retail brands such as Mango, Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Grill Shack in the newly added prime retail space.

The real estate consultancy has the largest retail property management portfolio, including The Junction Mall, Garden City Mall, Rosslyn Riviera Mall, Cedar Mall Nanyuki, Signature Mall, Lunga Lunga Square, T-Mall, Ridgeways Mall, Capital Centre, Oasis Mall, and Mtwapa Mall.