The quickening pace of retail modernisation in Kenya

Family-owned Quickmart opened its tenth outlet (and the first to open 24 hours a day) in Valley Arcade in the affluent Nairobi suburb of Lavington during January. “This area is populated by high-income shoppers who require the flexibility of shopping at any time,” Betty Wamaitha, head of marketing at Quickmart, told local media. The store has a more upmarket feel and is fitted out to a significantly higher standard than the rest of Quickmart’s store network.
Founded in Nakuru during 2006, Quickmart opened its first store in Nairobi during 2010. Nine of its outlets are now located in the capital. Most of these are to be found in densely populated suburbs with large catchment areas and limited modern retail penetration. In June 2018, Wamaitha told Business Daily Africa: “Our expansion strategy is anchored on two factors: Our branches have to be accessible to a population with spending power, and a location has to be positioned strategically … in an area not overly congested by competitors.” The banner’s profile is rising, and it is particularly well known among local consumers for its deli counter.