MIDDLE Eastern retail major Lulu announced the launch of 100th store in Ras Al Khaimah to further strengthen their market share in the region. Addressing a press conference in Dubai Sunday, Yusuf Ali Ma, Emke Lulu Group's Managing Director, said "it was part of our well-thought-out "Achieve 100" growth plan launched in 2009 to reach 100 stores mark within three years. We are obviously pleased to announce that our 100th Lulu inside RAK Mall, also constructed by the Group, will be inaugurated by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on April 26". Even during the global financial meltdown and industry wide recession, Lulu Group has gone ahead with their announced plan and opened 23 hypermarkets and shopping malls in the last 3 years in almost all major cities of the GCC. "Not a single project was shelved or postponed," added Yusuf Ali. One of the most popular and recognized local brands of the region, LULU today is a market leader in almost all the countries that they operate. "We are going ahead with our major expansion plans in all GCC countries. In Abu Dhabi alone, we will have another 6 Hypermarkets which will include Al Ain and Western Regions" he added. Lulu, which started out as a chain of supermarket & department stores, has gradually moved onto to the big format Hypermarkets and now is also a force to reckon with in the shopping mall sector. The Group manages 10 very successful shopping malls in the GCC countries which also includes Hypermarkets. Lulu, the hypermarket group which was awarded Dubai Quality Award, has always been in the forefront in terms of adapting to new technologies and innovations. The first to implement SAP Business Intelligence Accelerator and Explorer in the region and the first to deploy Wireless Technology in retail operations, the Group's next move is to launch its "Webstore". "Though the online retail is still in its early stages in the region, we see great potential in it, especially among the youth segment. The popularity of brand Lulu combined with innovative approach and tremendous value addition which we will bring to our "Webstore" will surely make it the most convenient way to shop. Having said that, "I see no negative impact of this on our regular store business as vast majority of shoppers here still prefer "touch & feel" shopping and online will help us add more new shoppers." "Lulu Webstore" will be launched soon and initially will cater to UAE market before rolling out to other GCC countries. Going with the success of its digital marketing initiatives through social media and e-coupons, the Lulu Webstore is sure to act as a catalyst for the online shopping scene in the region.
