LuLu Group, a leading grocery retailer and hypermarket operator in the region, opened Bahrain’s first fully female-staffed branch in Danat Al Lawzi, Hamad Town, on March 23.
The opening of the LuLu Xpress Fresh Market is part of the group’s commitment to economic empowerment of women in the region.
Spanning 2,000 square metres, the outlet boasts a self-checkout service, an in-house bakery and LuLu’s hot food section, alongside fresh produce offerings.
“The whole hierarchy here, starting with sales staff to supervisors and managers, are women,” Zaina Ali Yousuf told Bahrain’s Daily Tribune.
“I feel really proud to be part of this team. I am sure this will help us in serving the women customers better,” she said.
The opening was also commended by Safa Sharif Abdulkhaliq, acting CEO of Export Bahrain.
“This is a great decision,” she told the Daily Tribune.
“Over 30 per cent of businesses supported by Export Bahrain are being led by women and the decision by LuLu to open a fully female staffed store is very much in line with the women empowerment programmes.”
Besides its female focus, the outlet marks a joint mission between the LuLu Group and Bahrain’s Housing Ministry to cater to new and developing areas in the country, such as Danat Al Lawzi, Hamad Town.
“It is in line with the vision of the government of Bahrain to develop the community areas as population is increasing, said Yusuf Ali, chairman and managing director of the LuLu group.
“We are coordinating with the Housing Ministry to reach out to the communities in new housing areas. It is our new slogan – instead of people coming to us, we must reach out to the people.”
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the LuLu group had plans for five branches in Bahrain.
“There are four more branches to be opened soon and more projects will follow,” said Mr Ali.
The group operates 10 stores in the city and employs more than 3,000 staff members, 40 per cent of whom are Bahraini.
Bahrain is the group’s second fully female-staffed outlet, with the first opening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in February last year.
