Dubai: Homes r Us, the furniture brand owned by Lals Group, is looking to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
According to Jayant Ganwani, CEO of Lals Group, Homes r Us has just concluded its site in Oman which is tentatively planned to open in the first quarter of 2012. Following this, it is also looking at Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Within the UAE, following the opening of its new store in Ras Al Khaimah, Lals Group is looking at locations in Abu Dhabi.
"The outlook for the furniture market is immensely positive across the GCC and the UAE in particular has seen fast-paced growth in demand," said Ganwani.
According to recent studies from the Centre for Industrial Studies, furniture demand in the GCC amounts to $4.5 billion (Dh16.5 billion) at production prices. Furniture imports into the UAE have also grown considerably, to more than twice the rate compared to high income economies.
Refurbished
"Sales in 2011 have been better than 2010 and we're seeing a high growth in our numbers. I think confidence is returning back to the market and we are positively correlated to the property market.
"If we are able to maintain a growth of ten to 12 per cent over last year's numbers I think we will have done well," said Ganwani.
The brand recently relaunched its Mazaya Centre outlet which has been refurbished to meet customer demand and preference.
Following this renovation, its store in Doha will soon undergo renovation.
Homes r Us has established nine outlets across the UAE since the brand was first established in 2003, these are the Arabian Centre, Mazaya Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, the Hamriya Shopping Centre, Hor al Anz, Madinat Zayed Centre, Abu Dhabi, Al Qasimi Street, Sharjah, two stores in Al Ain and one in Fujairah.
