Regional supermarket chain Nakumatt Holdings has opened the doors to its 37th branch in East Africa with the opening of the Mbarara town branch in the Western Uganda. The opening of the US$ 3 million Nakumatt Mbarara, is part of the retailer’s regional expansion programme is expected to set the pace three more branch openings in Kenya before the end of the year.
3 more Branches in Kenya
Speaking during the opening ceremony in Mbarara, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Mr Atul Shah disclosed that plans are at advanced stage to facilitate the opening of Nakumatt Malindi, Nakumatt Thika Road and Nakumatt Thika Town in coming weeks.
With the opening of the three branches, Shah said that Nakumatt Holdings would effectively manage to touch its 40-branch target this year. The firm’s commitment to the ideals of the East African community, Shah said are anchored on its corporate goals to facilitate a five star brand promise geared at ensuring Quality, Value, Service, Variety and lifestyle advancement for its customers.
“As part of our East Africa expansion plans, we are proud to be opening the doors to Nakumatt Mbarara which attests to our commitment to further deepen the regional retail market while promoting cross border investments,” Shah explained.
And added: “At Nakumatt Holdings, we are encouraged by the steps taken by the East Africa community members and we shall continue to play our part to ensure that the current dream for a common market and community is realized. The support extended by our Smart customers in Uganda and the respective Uganda Government agencies has also helped to inspire our continued expansion in the fast growing Pearl of Africa Market.”
A region’s first
The new Nakumatt Mbarara covers more than 40,000 square feet shopping space and features innovative retail solutions. Nakumatt Mbarara is the first branch equipped with a retail travelator (in store ramp) which gives retailers shopping comfort and convenience. Widely known for its all under one roof retail positioning, Nakumatt has an extensive branch network in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Prepaid loyalty cards
The opening of Nakumatt Mbarara comes shortly after the recent announcement that the firm is set to introduce the multi-currency EMV MasterCard® PayPassTM Prepaid loyalty card to its one million plus Nakumatt Smart Card holders.
The new Nakumatt Global MasterCard Prepaid cards will allow customers to load money for purchases at Point of Sale terminals, cash withdrawals and online purchases at the 37 Nakumatt stores across East Africa and at any merchant outlet, which accepts MasterCard payment cards worldwide.
Nakumatt Global MasterCard Prepaid cardholders will also be able to earn Nakumatt Smart points on purchases made at any of the 33 million retailers and businesses across 210 countries, where MasterCard is accepted. Points earned will only be redeemable at Nakumatt stores.