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kamaug
#1 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 11:44:52 AM
Rank: New-farer


Joined: 10/27/2010
Posts: 26
Location: NBI
Hi All,
A "mlango" (shopfront) has opened up at a busy intersection and matatu stage near my estate. I imagine it would be perfect for a run in run out late opening supermarket targeted at the walk in clients. I.E without motor vehicles and lower middle class southwards.

I need to hear wazuans' opinions on;
1. Can this be a success considering it would be operating literally under the shadow of one of our major retailers.
2. What makes a supermarket/convenience store successful, what are the margins like and the best business model to use.
3. Where can i get more info on this business.

Thanks
WTF
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mkonomtupu
#2 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 12:47:48 PM
Rank: Veteran


Joined: 2/10/2010
Posts: 1,001
Location: River Road
1. success will depend on your attitude and the kind of service you will be offering to your niche clientele. I sometimes avoid the major retailers to avoid bumping into some characters or when i want to buy food so it depends on the individual experience you will offer to your target clientele. Keep it small friendly, unique and open a food section to attract late comers bachelors and singles.

2. success of a supermarket depends on how well you can push sales and turnaround the products you are buying, you buy wholesale put your markup and make your pricing competitive. The margins are small it's the loyalty that sustains you and makes you grow.

3. on info same way you can't learn swimming by watching and reading same for retail. Take a dip
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kamaug
#3 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 1:51:36 PM
Rank: New-farer


Joined: 10/27/2010
Posts: 26
Location: NBI
mkonomtupu wrote:
1. success will depend on your attitude and the kind of service you will be offering to your niche clientele. I sometimes avoid the major retailers to avoid bumping into some characters or when i want to buy food so it depends on the individual experience you will offer to your target clientele. Keep it small friendly, unique and open a food section to attract late comers bachelors and singles.

2. success of a supermarket depends on how well you can push sales and turnaround the products you are buying, you buy wholesale put your markup and make your pricing competitive. The margins are small it's the loyalty that sustains you and makes you grow.

3. on info same way you can't learn swimming by watching and reading same for retail. Take a dip


Thanks @mkonomtupu.
Anyone have an idea what are the average margins for retailers?
WTF
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richdad
#4 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 2:51:27 PM
Rank: Member


Joined: 2/12/2010
Posts: 474
Location: Nairobi
Weka ubao(blackboard) hapo nje unaandika bei ya unga na sukari. No need for CCTV, tafuta jamaa anazunguka na customer. Barcode ALL items and only allow your most trusted fellow to handle money.

It would be great if you have worked in a family or owned a retail shop.

If you intend to start the supermarket and keep your day job - please buy everready shares and wait for doomsday (there will be no kenya power) when they will sell like hot cake. - Be with the business for at least 18 months.
Keep it simple
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kamaug
#5 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 5:58:29 PM
Rank: New-farer


Joined: 10/27/2010
Posts: 26
Location: NBI
richdad wrote:
Weka ubao(blackboard) hapo nje unaandika bei ya unga na sukari. No need for CCTV, tafuta jamaa anazunguka na customer. Barcode ALL items and only allow your most trusted fellow to handle money.

It would be great if you have worked in a family or owned a retail shop.

If you intend to start the supermarket and keep your day job - please buy everready shares and wait for doomsday (there will be no kenya power) when they will sell like hot cake. - Be with the business for at least 18 months.


@richdad,
Have'nt been lucky enough to have been in a retail environment, planning on picking the brains of managers at established retailers.

I run a night club so i have all day to sell unga na sukari..
WTF
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nakujua
#6 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 9:29:03 PM
Rank: Elder


Joined: 12/17/2009
Posts: 3,583
Location: Kenya
the only way you can be successful under the nose of a major retailer is to open a night shop where you open your doors when the retailer retires at night, otherwise you cannot compete with the big retailers
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Stealth
#7 Posted : Thursday, May 30, 2013 9:36:23 PM
Rank: Member


Joined: 5/3/2010
Posts: 145
Location: East Africa
kamaug wrote:


I run a night club so i have all day to sell unga na sukari..




So what time will u have to rest and tend to other life issues/family?
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kamaug
#8 Posted : Friday, May 31, 2013 9:49:34 AM
Rank: New-farer


Joined: 10/27/2010
Posts: 26
Location: NBI
Stealth wrote:
kamaug wrote:


I run a night club so i have all day to sell unga na sukari..




So what time will u have to rest and tend to other life issues/family?

No rest for the wicked smile
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kamaug
#9 Posted : Friday, May 31, 2013 10:39:08 AM
Rank: New-farer


Joined: 10/27/2010
Posts: 26
Location: NBI
nakujua wrote:
the only way you can be successful under the nose of a major retailer is to open a night shop where you open your doors when the retailer retires at night, otherwise you cannot compete with the big retailers

@ Nakujua, the point is to serve the people who dont want to line up at the till for long or walk half a mile to get to the salt, or stand next to the person with two full shopping carts while you are holdng a loaf of bread and UHT under your arm.
WTF
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