Nakumatt Mega store reopens on old premises

Nakumatt Holdings, which is under administration, has returned to its founding nest along Uhuru Highway with the soft launch of its seventh branch.

The retailer has taken up space at the original Highway Mattresses (Nakumatt Mega precursor) premises which has been housing Ivory Lifestyle clothing store in recent times.

In 1989, Highway Mattresses established its first store adjacent to the current Highway Mall building before expanding next to the then Car & General showroom.

Nakumatt has taken up a 40,000 square feet space that will house its refreshed Nakumatt Mega store.

Nakumatt Holdings Administrator Peter Kahi said the retailer’s return to its founding space is symbolic of the firm’s commitment to reinvent to a formidable industry player in the coming years.

“Nakumatt is back at the same spot where it defined its growth trajectory more than two decades ago. This time round, the firm is committed to reclaiming its place in the local retail sector; albeit cautiously,” he said after the soft launch yesterday.

Non-food items

The refreshed Nakumatt Mega is stocking a range of non-food items on the store’s ground level. Preparatory work is ongoing at the store’s lower ground level which will house the food and general home commodities section, scheduled for opening within the next two weeks.

Earlier this year, Nakumatt announced that it had embarked on a business recovery programme. Dubbed, Nakumatt BounceBack, the programme is supported by local and international suppliers.

As part of the recovery strategy, the retailer has announced the optimum restocking of six key branches in Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu.

“Notwithstanding the current state of business operations, Nakumatt still believes it has a strong underlying sustainable core business that is capable of a turnaround with the support of all stakeholders,” said a press release.