Kenyan Entrepreneur Shiquo Hii Style Shakes Up Retail with Affordable Prices

A Kenyan entrepreneur, Shiquo Hii Style, is making waves in the local business community with her innovative retail strategy. Specializing in wholesale and retail, Shiquo is attracting attention for offering household goods at prices that have thrilled many Kenyans.

Operating both a physical store and an online platform, Shiquo’s business model is centered around providing a wide range of household items at significantly lower prices compared to competitors. This pricing strategy has sparked discussions about why other retailers charge higher rates for similar products, with some accusing Shiquo of “spoiling business” for them.

In an interview with Lynn Ngugi on October 26, Ray, an imports business coach, analyzed this trend and shared insights on the importing process from China, which is how Shiquo sources her products.

“I see myself in her five years ago. I’ve noticed comments from people who feel threatened, and I wonder why they would feel that way when she is thriving. What Shiquo is doing is what many in Eastleigh have been doing,” Ray remarked.

Ray attributed Shiquo’s rising popularity to her active social media presence, which distinguishes her from other business owners. “I watched her videos and saw her pricing, prompting discussions about how she manages to sell items at such lower prices,” she explained.

With over ten years of experience in imports, Ray cautioned aspiring entrepreneurs about the complexities of the business, highlighting that profitability often hinges on a comprehensive understanding of all associated costs.

“It’s an entirely different field. It’s complex and requires a substantial investment just to load one container. The price you see for an item in China isn’t the final price. For instance, if I tell you I can get a watch in China for Ksh 600, that isn’t the actual cost,” she emphasized, urging potential importers to grasp the full financial picture beyond the initial purchase price.

The business community has seen enthusiastic feedback from Shiquo’s customers, with comments such as:

• Betty_korir🧚‍♂️: “The woman giving business owners sleepless nights in Nairobi… we love you Shiquo ❤️❤️❤️.”
• Dernio Dennis: “If she starts selling cars for Ksh 10k, let me know!”
• Shiroh: “Shiquo, help us find an affordable president from over there—anything with you, it’s possible.”