Eng. Ahmed Bin Hassan Al-Dheeb, Undersecretary, Oman Ministry of Commerce & Industry, inaugurates the LuLu Hypermarket, Sohar along with Yusuffali M.A., Managing Director . Also present on the occasion were Ashraf Ali, Executive Director; Saifee Rupawala, CEO; Ananth A.V., Regional Director, Oman; and other senior dignitaries SOHAR — LuLu Hypermarket, the largest retail chain in the GCC region, opened Wednesday (July 1) its new outlet in Sohar, the capital and largest city of the Al Batinah North Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman, further boosting its retail presence in the sultanate. The much-awaited store threw open its doors to public amid much fanfare after a formal inauguration ceremony. The new hypermarket was officially inaugurated by Eng. Ahmed Bin Hassan Al-Dheeb, Undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry in the presence of several high-ranking officials from various government departments and representatives from local business communities. Yusuffali M. A., Managing Director; Saifee T. Rupawala, CEO; Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director; Ananth AV, Regional Director of LuLu Oman and other top officials of the group were also present on the occasion. Situated at a prime location of Sohar, the hypermarket has been designed taking into consideration the residents' comfort and convenience. Spread over three levels covering an area of about 200,000 square feet, the new outlet is the 117th store of the LuLu Hypermarket chain in the region. The outlet will showcase a fresh food section comprising of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, and a huge area dedicated to department store which includes high-fashion garments, electronics, IT products and home appliances. The hypermarket will feature the widest choice of world-class brands and product lines at the fairest prices all under one roof, offering customers a wholesome shopping experience. There is also an unmatched array of lifestyle and fashion brands with separate sections for formals, casuals, ethnic and party wear for men, women and kids, undoubtedly leaving the shoppers spoilt for choice. Tech savvy shoppers also have plenty to choose from the huge collection of latest electronics and IT gadgets at never-before prices. The outlet has also introduced inaugural offers and attractive prices for a range of products. The Sohar Hypermarket will soon boasts of an extensive food court on level 3, which will host some of the best and popular fast-food outlets. Besides, the hypermarket will also have an entertainment area for children on the same level with a dedicated play area, kids rides and video games. The hypermarket also offers third-party tenancy for additional services like cosmetic shops, mobile phone, optical shops, money exchange, pharmacy and other convenient stores, ensuring the one-stop shopping convenience that the LuLu Group is renowned for. The hypermarket is designed with pleasing interiors and new-generation fit-outs which are increasingly tailored to meet the needs and modes of shopping. Another key element of the design is the well-planned retail floor layout, which sets out ample space for aisles. The aisles are designed with enough space for customers to walk through the store without bumping into each other. The hypermarket also has extensively laid out counters and generous parking space. With its functional structure and modern facilities, the new outlet is expected to become the favorite shopping destination for the residents of Sohar. The new store not only offers a value-for-money shopping experience to local residents but it has also created new jobs for locals, which is positive news in the current financial climate. The outlet will employ around 250 locals in senior and mid-level positions in various operations. Yusuffali M.A. said “we are glad that LuLu has achieved another milestone in its development with the opening of the new Sohar outlet. All through the past years, the sultanate has provided a favorable atmosphere for LuLu's progressive growth. We are grateful to His Majesty and the government for its vision and policies which are a source of encouragement for us to continue our endeavors in this country and contribute to its economic growth. The stable political environment and robust economy have certainly provided a conducive environment for us and given us the confidence to make Oman our top priority to work towards our goals.” — SG
