A new concept has hit Kenya’s real estate sector. Known as Mytown Malls, the concept draws inspiration from the need by top brands to maintain physical presence even as they embrace online business.
The concept advocates for small commercial spaces with one anchor shop because even as businesses evolve to online shopping, clients still prefer to visit shops and purchase some types of goods and services, such as groceries or ice cream bars.
These types of businesses don’t require a lot of space and Mytown concept aims to house them as tenants. The mall is designed for a variety of clients including restaurants, hospitals, chemists, banks, coffee shops, fast food joints, retails shops, super market and a gas station.
A brainchild of MySpace Properties CEO Mwenda Thuranira, the concept has rolled out its first kid on the block – Mytown Karen where the 27th Chandarana Foodplus branch is the anchor tenant – and is expected to define shopping experience for the Nairobian especially during this festive season.
“I am greatly honored to express that I found solace from Mr. Anil Samani, our chairman, who believed in me as a parent cheers their son when riding a bike for the first time,” said Mr Thuranira during the launch of Chandarana Foodplus outlet.
“Seven years ago, I dared to dream and today I am here in reality having climbed the mountains of my dreams one step at a time. Today, we celebrate the grand opening of the 27th Chandarana Foodplus. It has been a journey with this brand and our aim is to empower each other to greater success.”
Mr Thuranira’s idea of Mytown Karen was embraced by a team of partners and brands including Total Energies, Wana Meat, Optica, Kary’s hair studio and Nail bar, Lorenzo Drycleaners, Mega Wines Ltd, Mika Appliances, Life Med Pharmacy and Tibu Health Hospital.
“In this, we are grateful for we know if we would have walked alone, we would be fast, rather we have come this far because of the spirit of togetherness,” he added.
Mytown Karen, opposite Karen Hospital and next to Watermark Business Park, is located in the most prime area of Karen and will serve people using the busy Langata road, Karen town traders. It boasts of ample and secure parking.
Mytown Mall concept comes at a time when Kenya is ushering in more people into online shopping with companies expressing need for small commercial spaces. The current tough economic conditions have forced top brands to invest in these spaces while majorly focusing on maintaining a high online or social media presence for massive sales, stability and growth of business.
“As online shopping culture evolves, there is need for retail outlets since they render products such as groceries, ice cream and clothes among other products and services. We foresee room for wealth creation, job creation, higher quality of life and improvement to the physical fabric of the community through this project,” Mr Thuranira, who has over 15 years in real estate sector, noted.
“We are committed to serving business owners from all parts of this country and look forward to collaborating with more brands and partners in upcoming projects including Kisumu, Mombasa, Athi River, Kisii, Upperhill, Waiyaki Way and many other locations.”
