Society stores opens retail outlet in Naivasha

NAIVASHA, KENYA: Society Stores has opened another retail outlet in Naivasha, Nakuru County adding the chain of the merchandizing business to four in the country.

Having successfully done the Maua, Thika, Meru, In Central Kenyam, Naivasha’s Society Extra, a premium supermarket is set to change the way shopping is done in the area.

The retailer, is a sister firm of Khetias Supermarket in Western Kenya, Kakamega is targeting the high end clientele as well as one off shoppers.

“We are offering the locals suppliers an alternative to reach the market. Our research shows that shoppers are looking for premium service and shopping outlet,” Said CEO and Founder of Society Mr Trushar Khetia.

He noted the high demand for premium retail services without compromising the delicate combination of price, value and quality.

Khetia said: “It has been a journey against time and competition. We have worked within three weeks to set base in the very spot our competitor had already come to.”

The Naivasha outlet took advantage of the decision of Uchumi Supermarkets to close down new outlets. “We only re-interviewed the same staff and took the same apartment,” said Khetia.

The fourth branch seeks to make a presence in the local market as part of its rapid expansion plan and to further deepen its retail trade.

Speaking at the opening of the Sh120 million investments located along Mbaria Kaniu Road, the chief executive Trushar Khetia said he had identified gaps in the competitive retail sector which will adequately be addressed by Society Stores.

 The first store in Thika opened on November 2014 after buying out Leens Supermarket, followed by two additional stores in Maua and Meru which were opened in June and October 2015 respectively.

 The roll out plan for Society Stores is to reach 5 outlets within one and a half years; one every 3 months.

The overall target is 120 Outlets in 10 years - 12 per year - 1 per month. This growth and expansion strategy will be achieved by a combination of further acquisitions and Greenfield ventures with Limuru being the 5th Society Store that is set to open early 2016.