UCHUMI UNVEILS 24-HOUR OPERATIONS FOR SHOPPERS

Uchumi Supermarket at Makumbusho Bus terminal in Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam. Late night shoppers in Dar es Salaam now have a window to engage in their nocturnal supermarket-love affair, thanks to Uchumi.

The retail company has announced it will from today operate non-stop at its new branch at Makumbusho, along the Ali Hassan Mwinyi road.  The move is being attributed to increasing customer demand. Speaking to The Citizen in an interview, Uchumi’s Country manager Chris Lenana said increasing customer demand, especially at Makumbusho and Shekilango branches, has forced the leading retail super market to start 24-hour operations.

“I am happy to tell our customers that now they can purchase goods at the two branches anytime they want,” said Mr Lenana.

He noted that the 24-hour operations were operated as a pilot plan this July but would be fully operationalised today. The move came on the heels of rival Nakumatt Supermarket’s official opening at the Mlimani City branch on Sunday.

Uchumi entered the Tanzanian market in early 2012 and currently operates four retail stores. The supermarket plans to open six new stores this year. “Before the end of this year we will open six branches; three more in Dar es Salaam, one in Arusha, Morogoro and Mwanza,” said Mr Lenana.

He added that the supermarket’s business was booming and warranted expansion, with a view to take services closer to customers. Currently Uchumi Supermarkets in Tanzania spends a whopping Sh1.7 billion every month to pay its suppliers, he said.

“This seeks to promote local manufacturing as the supply chain gives priority to domestic producers and suppliers to feed its outlets,” he said.

The retailer’s expansion drive comes at a time when its rival Nakumatt has opened its first branch in the country.