China Square, the renowned Chinese retail giant, has officially opened its doors in Kisumu, marking its first branch in Kenya’s western region. The KSh 500 million outlet, located at Mega City Mall, aims to tap into the lucrative western Kenya market, offering a wide range of budget-friendly products.
The grand opening attracted hundreds of residents who flocked to the store to take advantage of a special 20% discount. The launch signifies a major milestone for China Square as it continues to grow its footprint across Kenya, following the immense success of its Nairobi outlets.
Speaking at the launch, China Square CEO Lei Cheng expressed his excitement about expanding to Kisumu, describing it as a response to overwhelming customer demand.
“We’ve been serving Nairobi for some time, and requests from Kisumu have been overwhelming. Today, we’re thrilled to offer customers in Kisumu the convenience of shopping closer to home,” said Cheng.
The new outlet boasts one of the largest product varieties in the region, from household goods and electronics to fashion and accessories, giving it a competitive edge. Cheng highlighted that the Kisumu branch not only brings affordable prices but also supports the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing products from local artisans and SMEs.
“Initially, we imported 90% of our products, but we’ve reduced that to 60% by working with local jua kali artisans and manufacturers. This partnership helps stimulate local production while offering unique, affordable products,” Cheng noted.
The Kisumu outlet is part of China Square’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in Kenya, with plans to open stores in Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
China Square’s entry into Kisumu is expected to shake up the local retail market, providing stiff competition while boosting the region’s economic activities.
