Nakumatt Rwanda, a retail subsidiary of the Nairobi based regional Nakumatt Supermarket, last month registered a total of Rwf65 million through its 24 hours shopping. The leading retail supermarket in the country has got establishments across the region offering the 24 hour services to its customers. “You cannot afford to sleep while others are doing business because the world has become a global village and competition has stretched across the borders,” said Joseph Ndungu the Country Manager. The giant supermarket has got 20 branches in Nairobi out of which 8 operate 24 hours seven days and 20 percent of its total sales are obtained during the night shopping. The Kigali outlet that started seven months ago has picked up on the new shopping phenomenon where on average it registers 699 shoppers per night. And last month it registered a total of 16,710 shoppers. “Night shopping is conducive and eases stress that comes with day shopping and given the security in Kigali, we have an advantage and as business people we jump on the available opportunities,” added Ndungu. The number of night shoppers has been growing since its inception in January it registered Rwf72 million, in February it slightly went down to Rwf65million while in March it was Rwf65million. According to the Country Manager, the largest hypermarket in Africa that opens 24 hours has employed 85 Rwandans. Nakumatt has also extended its operations to Uganda where it opened its Oasis branch last month. The supermarket whose initial investment was $2 million has also embarked on a campaign of rewarding its loyal customers. The campaign known as the smart shoppers involves giving loyal customers surprise gifts. Clients who get smart cards are given discounts from time to time and this has attracted up to 6000 smart shoppers. “By opening 24 hours, we enable other businesses grow as well such businesses include the taxi services who transport clients at night and people who vend airtime. The people have to stay out, working because they give our clients services,” said Ndungu. Ends
