Tuskys Mattresses Limited has launched an initiative to promote local manufacturers with the aim of allowing them to access the retailer’s shelves in its 65 branches in Kenya and Uganda.
The initiative which is being promoted under the name #TuskysSmallVendorsClub is targeting 1000 small manufacturers over the next three years.
Tuskys chief executive Dan Githua said:
“This initiative is in alignment with the big four agenda of pushing up manufacturing which will [increase] jobs for the youth.”
Some of the companies that have joined the initiative are hair products manufacturer Tony Airo, shoe manufacturer MAGMAN, and furniture makers Heritage Interiors.
The retailer will also allow the manufacturers who get on board to acquire credit at corporate rates.
The Tuskys Online Platform
The retailer will also enable the manufacturers to sell their products on its online platform free of charge. The online platform has been offering consumers huge discounts on electronics while allowing payment of high-value products in instalments.
Tuskys’s SME-Oriented Partnerships
Tuskys has been supporting SMEs in different ways such as its supply chain financing facility in partnership with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) and its collaboration with Aspendos Dairies.
The Tuskys-DTB partnership allows the retailer’s suppliers to receive their payments while allowing them to access credit from DTB at affordable rates and through guarantees from Tuskys.
“This will enable SMEs working with Tuskys to have better cash flows to run their businesses and scale up the growth ladder. The Facility will also allow them to access cash before invoices are due. We are processing more than Sh500 million monthly on the DTB supply chain facility to SME businesses,” said Dan Githua.
The Tuskys partnership with Aspendos Diaries has enabled the retailer to sell milk in tap with 6,000 litres being bought each day. This partnership supports 2,000 small-scale dairy farmers in Murang’a County.
Tuskys also supports 400 small-scale sweet potato farmers through its sweet potato bread and 1,000 small-scale vegetable farmers.
The retailer is also considering a partnership with the Association of Fashion Designers with the aim of supporting the local fashion designers. This plan comes at a time when launched a speciality clothing store that is targeting more than 4 million customers.
