LuLu set to invest Dh3b in Gulf expansion plan

Dubai: LuLu hypermarket and supermarket chain, the flagship brand of UAE-based Emke Group, will invest approximately Dh3 billion to roll out nine new stores across the Gulf next year.

And in the last six months of this year, the group will open six stores with first time ventures in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as well as additional stores in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.

New outlet

The news follows the official opening of a new LuLu hypermarket in Al Barsha, Dubai, taking its total store count to 58 in the Gulf. The outlet was yesterday inaugurated by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs.

"We have always believed in the potential of this market and have tried to bring in the latest facilities and best international practices to all our stores," said Yousuf Ali M.A., managing director of the Emke Group.

According to a report released by London-based retail analysts, Planet Retail Ltd, Emke Group (Retail division) is ranked 12th in the African and Middle East Top 30 Grocery Retailer list, which is dominated by European retailers operating stores in the region.

The report says Emke Group, with its proposed new projects, will climb to 10th position with sales figures of $2.4 billion compared to the current $1.07 billion.

The new Al Barsha hypermarket covers 510,000 square feet and has more than 1,000 car parking spaces. Features include a hot food ready-to-eat section, live cooking and a sushi bar.

"With each new store we open our challenge is to raise the bar higher as regard to our quality and service standards yet keeping our prices low," said Yousuf Ali.

Group turnover hit Dh4.3b last year

The Emke Group reported annual turnover of Dh4.3 billion last year and employs more than 15,000 staff in its various operations spread across the Middle East, Asia, Far East and Africa. It interests include retail, manufacturing, food processing, export and import and travel.

Currently the group operates supermarkets and hypermarkets in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Yemen. This year it will open two new stores in Abu Dhabi and one each in Dubai, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.