Naivas Supermarket Expands Its Network In Kenya To 66

Kenya’s Naivas Supermarket plans to expand operations in Karen by occupying 200,000 square feet of retail space at the Waterfront Mall, coming at a time some giants like Tuskys Supermarket are falling apart.

Naivas will be replacing South African retailer Shoprite who cut its tenancy in April ending its 10-year lease prematurely.

Further, Shoprite has planned to close or dispose off its remaining stores in Kenya. Kenya seems to have been so unfriendly to most retailers. But some like Naivas are sailing through.

“We are pleased to welcome Naivas Supermarket on board as a partner who we believe fits perfectly within our growth and expansion strategy. The partnership has been motivated by the need to continually offer shoppers at the mall a wide variety of brands. This confirms our sustained commitment to continue offering Waterfront patrons a lasting experience all under one stable,” said Waterfront Karen Director David Muguku.

Naivas says its new store at the mall will offer 120 direct jobs in line with the retailer’s plans to grow its footprint to include greater employment opportunities.

“We are delighted at the prospect of opening our 66th store at the Waterfront Mall as it offers us an exciting opportunity to provide Karen shoppers the Naivas Food market experience at their doorstep. We have not had a presence in the larger Karen area which has been a long-standing request by our shoppers, we are finally able to fulfill this with the new development,” said Naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani.

The Waterfront is located in the heart of Karen on a 50 Acres plot.

Cytonn Investments notes that Karen is a high-end neighborhood in Nairobi located approximately 16 km southwest of the Nairobi central business district. Previously, it was predominantly a residential area but the relaxation of zoning regulations has seen an increase in commercial developments.

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