After the exit of the once giant retailer, Nakumatt Holdings Ltd, Shoprite, a South African supermarkets chain is set to take Mombasa with storm.
The retailer will in March 2019, open its doors at City Mall, a structure where Nakumatt supermarket had occupied.
According to Ideal Locations (Shoprite owners) Director Anish Doshi, the international supermarket will "inject freshness" in the retail sector of the coastal city.
“This will be the first international supermarket in Mombasa. Residents should expect a variety of products when it opens its doors," he told Nation on Saturday.
Shoprite which has more than 2,800 outlets in 15 African countries will be the first international supermarket to open a branch outside Nairobi.
A section of Mombasa residents have already welcomed the move.
In March 2018, real estate firm Knight Frank announced the coming of Shoprite Westgate, a space left by Nakumatt.
“Shoprite’s entry is expected to stiffen competition in the shopping centre market, which experienced a tough year in 2017 as some household brands faced financial difficulties," said the firm's Managing Director Ben Woodhams.
The retailer was expected to open doors on August 1.
Foreign retailer, Carrefour has also opened doors in Kenya, occupying space left by Uchumi and Nakumatt supermarkets.
Shoprite operates in Tanzania and Uganda with a strong presence in Central, Southern and West Africa.