24 Hour Shopping in Kenya

While 24 hour shopping may be taken for granted elsewhere, to many in Kenya it is a concept that is just a few months old. To accomodate changing lifestyles businesses in Kenya have been adapting to ensure they are able to cater for customer’s needs.

Nakumatt Holdings Limited is a supermarket chain that is blazing the trail in providing its customers with greater choice. The company aims to create a chain of world-class superstores in strategic locations that deliver quality, value, great service and variety while at the same time providing convenient opening hours for anyone to be able to visit the store.

According to Kenyan shoppers, this development seems to have come at the right time. George Kimani, a ‘Media Consultant’ prefers a more relaxed shoping experience. He says “it removes the pressure of having to run around to shop at certain times. It is great to know that I have the option of visiting the supermarket at any time.”

‘Advertising Executive’ James Kiarie thinks “it is a good business strategy. They provide proper security during the night so finding time to shop is not as much of a problem anymore, I visit the shop, buy anything I want, when I want”.

Edna Omwega, a ‘Project Officer’ is excited about the flexibility it provides. “This is a very good idea because it accommodates people who work or stay out late. Those who love the night life still have a chance to shop irrespective of the time of the day.”

Stellah Wambui, a ‘Customer Care Executive’ affirms that indeed the concept is a best practice the world over. “This operation is similar to those that pertain elsewhere. For example I used to shop at Wallmart, just like that experience, shopping here is less stressful and one can really take time to look around, however, I do feel they need to enhance security”.

Norman Gombe, a ‘Value Added Services Manager’ puts a humane face to the concept, “Great for the economy, great for job creation. If a child falls ill at night the 24 hour chemist will be handy”.

‘Creative Designer’ Eric Macharia sums it up for those who stay out late. “There is a day I went to buy drinks but to my horror the supermarket was closed! But now even if we leave the club after midnight I can actually buy bread and milk. It’s great to be able to buy such stuff at any hour.”