The LuLu Group has opened two new concept stores, LuLu Express and LuLu Wholesale and Logistics Centre, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The openings come as part of the group’s aggressive expansion plans in the region.
The express branch, located in Dubai, is compact and of medium scale, aiming to cater to those wanting to shop in small quantities and avoid crowds, yet still avail the price advantages of larger supermarkets.
The store houses a bakery, deli and hot foods section and stocks fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, frozen foods, health and beauty products and household goods.
The wholesale store, located in Al Noud, is designed for customers and businesses wanting to shop for products in bulk.
In efforts to compete with international bargain brands, the store offers bulk prices.
“Both these stores, which address completely different shopping needs, are signal that we believe in listening to our customers and staying flexible to accommodate their changing shopping preferences,” said Yusuff Ali MA, chairman and managing director of the LuLu Group.
“Though hypermarkets continue to be our primary focus area, we also intend to open more of these new format stores to cater to the growing demand of B2B customers and of suburbs and gated communities.
“The strong brand loyalty and location advantage will surely help these new concept stores become a dominant player in this sector also.”
The LuLu Group invested AED10.7 billion in its expansion plans, which began in 2020, intending to open 91 stores before 2023.
Fifty stores were opened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with 11 more to open this year and 27 stores to open next year.
“The LuLu Group has emerged from the recent lull of the pandemic years with a strong and vigorous global growth blueprint,” said Mr Ali MA.
Retail sales in the UAE are estimated to value $70.5 billion by 2025, rising an at annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent, according to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“We believe that leading corporate brands like ours must show the way in the economic resurgence taking place today,” Mr Ali MA added.
The LuLu Group operates 235 hypermarkets, shopping malls and fulfilment centres and employs 57,000 employees across 12 countries.
