Modern Furniture closes Nakuru branch after short-lived run
Part of Modern Furniture Pacific's advertising campaign has already been taken down following the shop's closure.
For years, the building that once housed the Nakuru Highway branch of Tuskys Supermarkets stood as a ghost of its former self, deserted, dull and mistaken by many for a warehouse.
Since the supermarket closed more than seven years ago, the once-busy retail space has been a silent reminder of the town’s changing commercial fortunes.
The premises later found a temporary purpose when it was converted into a car park for revellers visiting the nearby 7D Platinum Club. While this eased congestion along the service lane, it did little to restore the building’s commercial vitality.
This changed two years ago, however, when part of the building was renovated and reopened as the popular entertainment venue Space Next Door Lounge. The lounge's arrival breathed new life into the property — the faded Tuskys-green façade was replaced with fresh paint, and the building began attracting weekend crowds once again.
A year later, Modern Furniture Pacific Store, a Nairobi-based retailer, opened its Nakuru branch in the remaining space. For a brief moment, the building appeared to have reclaimed its status as a hub of urban activity, symbolising the town’s post-pandemic business recovery.
However, this optimism proved short-lived. The closure of the Nakuru branch of Modern Furniture Pacific Store has once again left part of the property vacant, raising questions about the sustainability of businesses expanding into regional towns.
Business analyst Sarah Mbogo notes that such cycles of openings and closures are becoming increasingly common among companies that expand beyond their main markets without conducting sufficient groundwork.
“Many investors rush to open branches in new towns before fully understanding the local market dynamics. Consumer preferences, spending habits and even cultural factors vary from one town to another. Without proper research, even well-funded ventures struggle to survive," she explains.
Ms Mbogo adds that, before expanding, entrepreneurs should conduct detailed market research to understand demand, competition and local purchasing power.
“It’s not enough to replicate the Nairobi model in Nakuru or Eldoret and expect the same results. Business owners need to adapt their products, pricing and marketing strategies to match the realities of each market," she says.
She also recommends building partnerships with local suppliers, marketers and influencers to help new businesses gain visibility and trust more quickly.
Additionally, she emphasises that long-term sustainability depends on managing operational costs, including rent, licences, utilities and logistics, which can vary widely between towns.
“Success in expansion is not just about capital. It’s about strategic adaptation. What thrives in one city may not necessarily flourish in another," she says.
As Nakuru continues to grow as one of Kenya’s emerging commercial hubs, the fate of the former Tuskys building offers a cautionary tale and a lesson in resilience.
Whether another business will soon occupy the vacant space remains to be seen, but the building's story reflects the broader challenges and opportunities of doing business in rapidly evolving urban centres.