South Africa’s Panda Mart on Wednesday launched their first outlet at Garden City Mall in Nairobi, with the outlay set up recorded at Ksh 1.14 billion.
Panda Mart operates in more than 12 African Countries and joins Carrefour at Garden City, optimistic about expanding its business in the country.
Through its spokesperson, Mr Lee Jinglin, who described Kenya as a county of business opportunities, there are signs the business will be expanded to other major cities and towns in the country before the end of this year.
“We are excited to be in Kenya. Kenya is the largest economy in Eastern and Central Africa and is well positioned economically. As Panda Mart, we are committed to becoming the cornerstone of retail excellence across the country bringing together an extensive selection of products under one roof,” Mr Lee stated.
Panda Mart which has now taken 8,956 square meters at Garden City will open its second outlet in Karen this year and has urged traders across all walks of life in the country to visit the store and buy bulk household goods for reselling.
The retailer majorly deals with beauty products, clothing, furniture, kitchenware, and electronics.
Panda Mart has occupied space in the Garden City Mall previously used by Shoprite and Game, which are South African retailers that closed following financial constraints.
Massmart ran Game Stores and was forced to shut down three stores in Kenya, one in Uganda and Tanzania, five in Nigeria, and four in Ghana after making losses.
In 2020, Shoprite, a supermarket with a considerable capacity in Africa, ceased trading after only two years of operation in Kenya following its failure to thrive in the local market.
The space was later taken by Carrefour, which since its launch has taken an upward trajectory with closely 21 outlets countrywide.
“Panda Mart enables us to complement and enhance the offerings of Garden City, especially household goods,” said Mi Vida, the developer of the mall.
Mr Kariuki, Homes Chief Executive, said the mall aims to see the remaining 8 percent of space get occupied before the year ends.
“Garden City is unique in that it is one of only two retail centres which are anchored within a mixed-use development,” he stated.
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