LuLu opens new store in Muscat

Muscat: Consumers in Oman are getting savvy and the advent of big operators from the UAE has been of overall benefit to customers, believes a top executive of a hypermarket chain in the Gulf.

"For consumers now the choice is wider with affordable prices," said Ananth AV, regional director-Oman operations, LuLu Hypermarket, on the eve of opening the 56th LuLu hypermarket at the Al Burj Complex in the Seeb district of Muscat.

The neighbourhood groceries, particularly in Muscat, are fast disappearing.

The government's decision to bar expatriates from running small groceries is a major factor behind such small groceries being converted into coffee shops or cyber cafes.

However, some believe that increasing the number of hypermarkets in Muscat has also contributed to the gradual demise of small groceries.

Dr Juma Bin Ali Bin Juma, Minister of Manpower, will inaugurate the new LuLu Hypermarket today.

Spread across more than 160,000 square feet and fitted with the most modern facilities including a large parking area which can accommodate more than 1,000 cars, the new LuLu Hypermarket is located in the renovated Al Burj Complex, which Emke Group took over six months ago.

"The tremendous response we have received for all our earlier projects from the loyal shoppers of Oman," Yusuffali M. A., managing director of Emke Group, said.

This is Emke Group's fourth Hypermarket in Oman after Bausher, Darsait and Sohar.

"After taking over the Al Burj Complex, we have done extensive renovation and now we are fully ready to welcome the shoppers with the biggest range of best quality products at most affordable prices," said Yusuffali.