Customers bet on French retail giant to thrive after opening its third branch at Thika Road Mall

david nganga

November 15, 2017 12:14 PM

Carrefour opened its third branch in Kenya at TRM months after Nakumatt supermarket evacuated the space.

French retail giant Carrefour on Thursday opened its third branch at Thika Road Mall (TRM) in Nairobi, just two months after anchor tenant Nakumatt supermarket evacuated the space.

The supermarket, whose local franchise is held by Dubai-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim, set up shop at the mall situated at the populated residential area of Roysambu; marking a shift in strategy since its operational stores — at Nairobi’s The Hub and Two Rivers malls — serve as destination shopping centres.

Customers who spoke to Business Insider SSA expressed delight in having the French retailer move in at the space that was popular with Nakumatt.

"I'm glad that Carrefour decided to set up another branch here despite the misfortunes that befell Nakumatt. We look forward to sailing along with them," said Dan,a shopper at the supermarket.

The retailer was fully stocked on the first day of business and some shoppers were quick to note the similarity to the now defunct Nakumatt TRM.

"Everything here is similar to how Nakumatt used to operate. But I'm glad that they are well-stocked and their prices are also fairly good," noted Ann.

The retailer will initially operate on the first floor before opening its doors on the mall’s ground floor mid next year.

Carrefour is one of the beneficiaries of Nakumatt’s decline, with the Kenyan retailer closing more branches in recent months due to stock outs and huge debts worth millions owed to creditors including rent arrears.

The retailer will cover two floors of the mall whose construction was completed in 2013. It will however operate on the first floor before opening its doors on the mall’s ground floor mid next year.

david nganga