How KK Mart Grew From A Small Store To Now Nearly 800 Outlets In Multiple Countries
It started as a humble shop in Kuchai Lama.
Today, it's not uncommon to stumble upon a KK Mart in nearly every town across Malaysia.
However, the origins of this convenience store chain remain relatively unknown to many.
The first KK Mart store opened in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park in 2001.
Image via KK Super Mart (Facebook)
Founded in 2001 by Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai and his siblings, KK Mart had its humble beginnings as a single store occupying the ground floor of a shoplot at Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park.
In just two decades, the humble shop evolved into the second-largest convenience store chain in Malaysia, trailing only behind 99 Speedmart, which was established in 1987. That's quite the climb to become a major convenience store chain!
The starting capital? A mere RM60,000 — a testament to Chai's vision and entrepreneurial spirit, driven by the saying, "There is no free lunch in this world".The convenience store began by serving areas such as the Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya
Now, they have expanded their operations to include Melaka, Seremban, Perak, Sarawak, and more. They even have 24 stores in Nepal and India.
On top of that, they have since ventured into other industries, including cafés, automobiles, hospitality, personal care, real estate, and manufacturing.
If you haven't been to a KK Mart outlet, the chain store provides 24-hour service for people to obtain their daily essentials
From affordable household products to food and drinks, there are over 9,000 varieties of items, including KK Mart's in-house branded goods.
Additionally, the stores frequently offer photocopying, top-up, and bill payment services via e-pay.
Image via KK Super Mart (Facebook)
Despite being one of the major convenience stores in Malaysia, KK Mart still has a number of competitors
99 Speedmart has over 2,500 outlets nationwide.
7-Eleven was once the undisputed king of convenience stores in Malaysia. While they've been overtaken by the rapid expansion of locals chains like 99 Speedmart, they still maintain a significant presence with more than 2,400 stores nationwide.
Other notable convenience store chains in Malaysia include MyNews, CU, and FamilyMart.
KK Mart recently apologised for a controversy about certain socks that were sold at its outlets:
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