NAKUMATT Supermarket plans to spend Sh1 billion this year to roll out of new branches in both Kenya and Uganda as part of the retailer's corporate expansion strategy.

The supermarket, with a branch network of 39, plans to open five branches across the region this year.Managing director Atul Shah said the on-going expansion drive will also focus on the upgrading of existing branches to enhance the stores ambience, layout and product variety.

He was speaking on Friday during the official opening of the new Sh400 million Nakumatt Supermarket branch on Thika Road.The branch is located at the ultra-modern Thika Road Mall and covers a shopping floor space of 80,000 Square feet.

The store features Kenya's first integrated touch screen check out tills, a moving walk (travelator) and a variety of energy saving retail fittings and solutions imported from Italy.

"The year 2013 promises to be a busy year for Nakumatt as we prepare to open at least five more branches in Uganda and Kenya as part of our expansion strategy. We shall continue investing heavily in our bid to maintain exceptional customer service standards," Shah explained.

And added: "the opening of these branches also confirms our underlying confidence in the regional economies and the positive prospects for world class retail solutions; which we are now setting out to address.

During the opening of Nakumatt Thika Road, shoppers who thronged the new store enjoyed a variety of rewards and price discounts to mark the stores grand opening.