Sometime last year, I met a group of entreprenuers who said they wanted to launch an online wines and spirits shop so guys can order drinks and just party away from their houses. I thought it was brilliant but I have never heard of the team again.
Now, Rocket Internet-backed online retailer Jumia Kenya has launched its wines and spirits with a dozen of drinks such as the 1000ml Blue Label Johnnie Walker, Amarula, Gilbeys, Smirnoff among others.
The drink shop has Liquors, wines, spirits and beers to suppliment the e-tailers traditional fashion, electronics among others. Jumia might be launching a furniture shop before anyone does it, and who cares, as long as they execute. We are not yet sure which brands beer brands the e-tail will retail as at the moment they are not listed.
In a statement, Parinaz Firozi MD JUMIA said,“Whatever the occasion, our Beer, Wine & Spirits Store has something to suit you. You’ll find top brands and a wide selection of quality drinks, including limited editions, iconic drinks, gift sets and a wide collection of wines to round off your meal! You get to filter by brand such as Amarula, Gilbeys, Smirnoff, Johnie Walker, price from as low as ksh 500 and volume as high as 1000ml, at JUMIA we have everything for everyone.”
Jumia Kenya says it has over 50,000 products on its website from fashion, consumer electronics, and home appliances to beauty products. Last year, the e-shop won became the first African company to win an award at the World Online Retail Awards 2013 in Paris as the “Best New Retail Launch” of the year.
The online bar will compete local firm MIA International which has been doing it for sometime but which unfortunately sales no beer. Nigeria’s Drinks.ng, backed by Jason Njoku‘s Spark is successfully doing the same in Nigeria. Jumia’s online bar will help Kenyan residents beat laws on drink driving among others.