Browsing: Supermarket chains in East Africa

The Kenyan retail market has not been very kind for foreign investors. Botswana’s Choppies Supermarket came with a promise of adding a sparkle to an industry that was adapting to the advent of online shopping in Kenya.

At that time, Nakumatt Supermarket- the most profitable and successful store in East Africa was in deathbed and the sector was looking for the new supremo. It did not go so well for the South African retailer and it has been riddled with debts and poor sales.

Another South African outfit, Game has struggled to make an impact with just a few stores. The only foreign store that has a greater impact in the Kenyan market is Carrefour which has grown from a single store to taking over space formerly occupied by Nakumatt.

The remaining local supermarket chains have had to come up with innovative ways to stay afloat in a sector that …