MOMBASA, KENYA: Uchumi supermarkets on Tuesday closed its Mombasa Avenue branch following eviction by auctioneers.
Casual workers hired by the auctioneer structures at the supermarket over unpaid rent arrears barring many from accessing the outlet.
In February this year, the retailer announced that its half year losses had widened by 63 per cent to Sh895 million.
The cash-strapped retailer exited Sarit Centre in Nairobi early this year bringing to an end a three-decade old business story in the iconic business space.
In what could point to more branch closures lined up, the retailer will be exploring possible "relocation at other venues for our most unviable stores" to cost-effective locations.
Back in July, at the peak of cash crisis that saw its workers stage protests over missed pay, workers in the ranks of supervision told Weekend Business that then CEO had been summoned by the management of Sarit Centre over empty shelves in a building that is frequented by high-end customers.
In June 2016, revenue from the branch were Sh42.77 million being a drop of 67.1 per cent from Sh130.1 million in June 2015, according to figures shared by workers who asked for anonymity. The branch was once the best performer for the retailer and at times able to cover all the overheads in a month.