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Colombia: Akitoki, the new chinese dollarstore, has arrived in Colombia

Discount Variety Retail Chain Akitoki, a Chinese 'Action' format, opened its first store, located in the north of the Capital Bogota. It has generated great expectation, although some consumers question whether its prices are really as low as those of its competitors.


The arrival of low-cost stores in Colombia has generated a radical change in the shopping habits of Colombians. During the pandemic, consumers turned to establishments such as D1, Ara and Dollarcity, looking for essential products at affordable prices, in a complicated economic context.


Now, a new competition is emerging in the retail market: Akitoki, a chain from China that promises to offer low prices and a wide variety of products for the home, clothing, toys, and more.


With this low-price approach, the brand has already been dubbed the "Chinese Dollarcity" by many consumers. Its first store, which opened in the north of Bogotá, more specifically on Calle 166, between Autopista Norte and Carrera 19, has quickly positioned itself as an attractive option for those looking for basic items and everyday products without spending a lot of money.


Prices at Akitoki start at $5,000 for small items, while clothing costs from $60,000. In the assortment of clothing you can find jackets, pants, t-shirts, shirts, socks, dresses and sports sets, among other products.


The store also offers a variety of household products, such as ovens, pots, plates, shelves, and ornaments. In addition, there are pet supplies and a party décor section, making it a one-stop option for shoppers looking for budget-friendly solutions for their home.


Will Akitoki be able to stand up to its competition?

Competition in the retail sector in Colombia is not easy. Dollarcity, which has been operating in the country since 2015, has 345 stores in various cities, consolidating itself as one of the strongest players in the low-cost market. The chain has managed to open new stores in places such as Cartagena, Fusagasugá and Carmen de Bolívar, which has allowed it to expand its presence in the country considerably. This success is due to its strategy of offering accessible products to Colombian families, which has generated a loyal customer base.


For his part, Akitoki faces several challenges. Despite its similar offering to Dollarcity, some consumers have pointed out that Akitoki's prices are a bit higher than those of its competitors. In addition, the fact that it only has one store in Bogotá could limit its reach to a wider audience, compared to chains such as Dollarcity, which already has a presence in multiple cities.


On social media, some shoppers who have already visited Akitoki have shared their impressions of the store. A content creator on TikTok, for example, showed on her account the prices of garments such as jackets and sports outfits, highlighting that the store offers a variety similar to that of traditional "Chinese locals", but at more competitive prices.

However, some followers of the publication also mentioned that, despite the good offers, it is still early to make a fair comparison with Dollarcity, as Akitoki has a long way to go. The truth is that, if this new store manages to successfully establish itself in more cities in the country, it could become a serious competitor for the chains that currently dominate the low-cost market.


For now, the competition with Dollarcity and other Colombian retail giants is clear, and as more stores open in Colombia, consumers will continue to be the main beneficiaries of this low-price boom, which will likely alter shopping dynamics in the country for years to come.



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