Bata new store in Nairobi targets Kenya’s growing economy

NAIROBI, KENYA: Bata Shoe Company has opened its largest retail outlet in Nairobi and Africa in a move to attract more customers.

The multi-million shilling super store located on Muindi Mbingu Street opposite Jeevanjee Gardens is the Bata's 133rd retail store in Kenya.

The Chief Operating Officer, Bata Shoe Organisation Jorge Cabajal said the outlet is the biggest in Africa and the world.

"The store will be a one-stop shoe shop for Bata brands and other renowned international shoe brands and customers will get an ample space to shop. This will attract more customers and improve shopping know-how," said Cabajal.

He said the growing economy requires large store like such adding that the ample space provides enough space for display.

Cajabal said plans are underway to open larger shops and others inside malls stores to merge the changes in shopping trends.

Out of its 133 stores in the country, 25 are franchises rented out to investors while 63 are fully owned by the company. They also manage 45 stores on behalf of their owners in profit-split agreements.

Bata Shoe Organization is present in Africa, Namibia, Ghana and Malawi among others and has stores in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi.

The company that has a variety of shoes for men, women and children was founded in 1894 by three siblings in the then Czechoslovakia and its opened its doors in Kenya in 1939.

Standard Group's Managing Director Print, Mr Francis Munywoki, called upon county governments to pass legislation which will allow people to set up businesses in a bid to curb unemployment in the country.

Munywoki who said the company will partner with Bata in terms of commercial, added that creating businesses is one of the channels of creating job opportunities.