The Uchumi Supermarkets through acting CEO Mohammed Mohammed, on Friday, February 23, announced the closure of its Hyper branch at Sarit Centre in Westlands, Nairobi.
Speaking through a press statement, the acting CEO said that the Hyper branch which has run its operations at Sarit Centre for more than three decades will close doors on Sunday February 25 adding that the current woes experienced by the retailer make the locality not cost-effective.
"The decision is part of the retail store’s comprehensive turnaround plan and new cost management strategy that seeks to streamline its store portfolio and intensify cost efficiency efforts per store," Mohammed Mohammed said.
The retailers however promised that they will relocate to a cost-effective retail space once they find one adding that changing trends in modern trade are also an obstacle they need to align with.
Speaking in addition to the acting CEO, Uchumi's Chief Operating Officer Andrew Dixon, was grateful to the Management of Sarit Centre who had hosted the retailer for such a long time and thanked their customers for the continued support.
"Uchumi has been located at the Sarit Centre for over 30 years and was among the first tenants. We wish to thank the management for their support over the years. We are also grateful to all our loyal customers who have stood with us. We will be exploring a possible location at other venues for our most nonviable stores to more cost-effective and strategic locations as part of the ongoing strategy to cut costs, pay debts and optimize cashflow," Dixon said.
The Sarit Centre branch now joins the Uchumi Capital Business Centre branch and Jipange Branch of Ruaraka that were recently shut down.