Naivas Takes Up Tuskys Space At Ananas Mall In Thika

Naivas Supermarket has taken up space at Ananas mall in Thika vacated by Tuskys making it the biggest beneficiary of the troubles facing the retail sector.

The retailer will start the operations from Friday as the new anchor tenant in the space that was previously operated by Tuskys situated on Garissa Road, stepping up competition for customers with retailers such as Kassmart.

According to Chief Commercial Officer, Willy Kimani, the new branch speaks to the resilience of the retailer in defying a tough business environment due to Covis-19 disruptions to keep up with its growth and expansion strategy.

On Tuesday, in an interview, Mr, Kimani said that the new store, set to be opened on Friday may not be a food market but a regular outlet that stocks consumer items that shoppers may require in a supermarket.

The new outlet coming barely three days after the retailer took up the space Nakumatt Holdings vacated at Hazina Towers will become Naivas 68th branch in the country.

Other former Nakumatt outlets that have been taken up by Naivas include Prestige Plaza on Ngong road, Moi Avenue branch, Mega-City mall in Kisumu as well as Likoni and Bamburi branches in Mombasa.

Naivas also recently opened at Waterfront Mall in Karen, taking over the space that troubled South African retailer Shoprite occupied.

In August, Naivas raised 6 billion from the sale of a 30 percent stake consorting of investors, including the International Finance Corporation, firming up its financial strength.

Naivas has not been in a position to take up as many outlets left by Tuskys due to the ongoing rent dispute between the struggling retailer and its landlords.

Naivas entry at Hazina Towers deepens its outlets within the CBD where it also has a presence at Ronald Ngala, Development House, and Moi Avenue.

The retailer began opening alcohol kiosks within its newly-opened food market stores with the launch of new outlets that offered shoppers a wide variety of products including fresh produce.