Carrefour Permanently Closes Comet Mall Branch in Nairobi CBD

French retail giant Carrefour has permanently shut its Comet Mall branch in Nairobi’s Central Business District, effective October 31, 2026.

In a notice to customers, the supermarket chain announced that the outlet would cease operations on that date. The company thanked shoppers for their loyalty and support over the years and directed them to its nearest remaining stores, assuring them of the same range of products and services.

“Dear Valued Customers, please be informed that this store will be permanently closed effective October 31, 2026,” the notice stated. “We sincerely thank you for your loyalty, trust, and support throughout the years. It has been our pleasure to serve you.”

Carrefour has not publicly disclosed the reasons for the closure. Social media users have pointed to tough economic conditions, the branch’s location, and competition from nearby retailers such as Naivas and Maguna, which opened recently in the area. Some observers noted that Carrefour’s Sarit Centre branch continues to attract strong footfall, suggesting the Comet Mall site may simply have underperformed due to accessibility or market saturation.

Separately, unconfirmed reports and videos circulating in early November 2026 claimed reduced activity or possible challenges at the company’s Southfield Mall branch in Embakasi, including empty shelves. These claims remain unverified, and some Kenyans online have dismissed suggestions of a wider shutdown, attributing issues instead to specific locations.

The closure comes amid a competitive Kenyan retail landscape in which local chains have expanded aggressively in recent years. Carrefour, which operates multiple stores across Nairobi and other cities, has not indicated further closures.

https://x.com/thekenyatimes/status/2117311005663629322?a=8fHc3ftZDah1X8dTwsI&s=19

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