Daily Archives: December 28, 2015

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Mike Fitzharris appointed CEO and representative director of QVC Japan

WEST CHESTER, Pa., 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — QVC, the global leader in video and ecommerce retail, today announced that Mike Fitzharris has been appointed as the CEO and representative director of QVC Japan, effective December 15, 2015. Fitzharris will be responsible for overseeing QVC’s operations and growth in Japan. He will report to Steve Hofmann, president of QVC International.

“Since its launch in 2001, QVC Japan has successfully developed and implemented strategies to become a leader in multimedia shopping, with a focus on providing great customer value and service,” said Hofmann. “Mike has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead and inspire teams across cultures, and has the experience needed to drive customer loyalty, contribute to and execute enterprise strategy and build brand awareness.”

Prior to joining QVC Japan, Fitzharris served as Chief Operating Officer of QVC UK after rejoining QVC in April 2012, with responsibility for Customer Fulfillment Services, which include contact center operations, supply chain functions, warehousing and business intelligence. Fitzharris began his QVC career in 1997, working across a number of areas before taking on the role of general manager of Operations Support.

“As QVC continues to expand globally, we are leveraging our worldwide talent and capabilities to drive collaboration and position the company for future growth,” said QVC president and CEO Mike George. “Mike is adept at driving innovation to achieve strong business results. His knowledge of global markets and commitment to excellence will position QVC Japan for continued success.”

John Thomas, who led QVC Japan since 2011 as the CEO and representative director, will remain as the chairman of the Board of Directors of QVC Japan. In addition, he has been appointed to serve as the vice chairman of CNR Mall, QVC’s joint venture operations in China with China National Radio.

“Throughout his tenure, John has maintained a clear focus on developing strategies to maximize our long-term position in Japan and in building an engaged and aligned team throughout the organization,” said Hofmann. “I am grateful to John for his tireless effort and countless contributions to the Japan business and will continue to rely on his expertise to drive our business forward as the chairman of QVC Japan.”

Thomas has played a key role in QVC’s global expansion for many years. He was the project leader for QVC’s entry into the Italian market in 2009 and through the launch of QVC Italy in the 4th quarter of 2010. He later led QVC’s global business development efforts and was appointed chairman of QVC Japan. He assumed the position of CEO and representative director in 2011.

About QVC
QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: QVCA, QVCB), is the world’s leading video and ecommerce retailer. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 350 million homes worldwide through operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France and a joint venture in China. Based in West Chester, Pa. and founded in 1986, QVC has evolved from a TV shopping company to a leading ecommerce and mobile commerce retailer. The company’s website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

SOURCE: QVC, Inc.

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Harris Teeter to open its largest store to date in Pinehurst, N.C. on Jan. 12, 2016

Company to Celebrate Grand Opening with Sampling Event

Pinehurst, N.C., 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Harris Teeter is proud to welcome shoppers to its PineCroft location on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 at 4 p.m. as the company celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and Taste of Teeter sampling event featuring Harris Teeter brand products.

The store opening includes a Harris Teeter Fuel Center and will be the company’s largest store to date measuring 78,200 square feet. The store will have many unique features including: a soup bar and wing bar in the Fresh Foods department; a wine and beer bar which features 16 beers on tap and a growler station; a meat smoker in the Butchers Market; a juice bar in the Farmers Market; an expanded selection of general merchandise, including an Everything Kitchen section; and, a walk-in humidor.

In each of its stores, Harris Teeter strives to offer customers an excellent shopping experience, which begins with customer service and features high-quality products, variety and selection.  Harris Teeter also works to be a true community partner by supporting local schools and youth sports organizations, among other non-profit organizations.

Fast Facts

Store Address Harris Teeter at PineCroft
305 Ivey Lane
Pinehurst, N.C. 28374
Grand Opening Date  Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016
Grand Opening Time  4 p.m., ribbon cutting; sampling event immediately following
Store Hours 24 hours/7 days a week
Store Square Footage 78,200
Check-Out Lanes 12 checkouts and 6 express checkouts
Pharmacy Hours Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fuel Center Hours staffed daily from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.; fuel available for purchase by debit/credit card 24 hours
Fuel Dispensers Five

Store Features and Departments
Full-service Butchers Market with Rancher Beef, HT Reserve Angus Beef and HT Naturals Beef • Meat Smoker • Full-service Fishermans Market • Shrimp Party Trays • Farmers Market Produce • Juice Bar • Produce Party Trays • Salad Bar  •  Gift Basket Program • Full-Service Floral and Custom Floral Arrangements • Expanded Fresh Cut Flower Section • Full-service Fresh Foods Market Deli/Bakery • Soup Bar • Wing Bar • Sushi • Self-Serve Olives • International Cheeses • Chef Prepared Foods To Go  • Custom Cakes and Ice Cream Cakes • Hot Asian and American Bar • Sub Shop • Made to Order Sandwich Program  • Artisan Breads • Italian Meat Selection • Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses  • Fresh Made Salads • Fresh Made Pizza • Home Meal Replacements • Organic and Natural Foods  • Expanded Specialty Foods • Expanded General Merchandise Department • Wine and Beer Bar • Growler Station • International and Specialty Foods •  Bulk Candy  • Pharmacy  •  Free Blood Pressure Testing  • Private, Professional Consultations • Drug Interaction/ Allergy Screening • Double Coupons • Club 60 Discount • Carryout Service • Parcel Pick-up •  USCAN • Western Union • Coinstar • Rug Doctor • Express Lane Online Shopping • Red Box DVD Rental Kiosk •  Starbucks •Sit-down eating area • ATM • Walk-in Humidor

SOURCE: Harris Teeter, Inc.

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Sports Direct International plc responds to unfair portrayal of its employment practices

Shirebrook, United Kingdom, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Board (“we” or “us”) of Sports Direct International plc (“Sports Direct” or “the Company”) notes the continued commentary regarding the working conditions of its employees and casual workers. To date, Sports Direct has sought to address questions relating to its employment practices on a case-by-case basis directly with the enquirer, but it has become evident that by doing so various parties have chosen to ignore the facts provided and have continued to present an unfair portrayal of the Company’s employment practices. Sadly, it is also now clear that some others have chosen to rely on this portrayal when making public statements about Sports Direct, rather than obtaining information directly from the Company before commenting.

The Board takes its responsibilities towards all the Company’s stakeholders, be they staff, contactors, suppliers or customers, extremely seriously. Without our commitment to our staff and the implementation of a performance-led culture which encourages success, there is no way Sports Direct would have been able to grow from a single sports shop over 33 years ago to the global retailer it is today. The Board believes Sports Direct is a major contributor to all the communities and countries in which it operates; not least, since Sports Direct became a public business in 2007, it has contributed over a billion pounds in tax to the UK exchequer.

The Board is today issuing this statement setting out the key facts about the terms and conditions of Sports Direct’s workers. We hope that by doing so, the unfounded criticisms will cease. To be clear, we value the continuing hard work of the Company’s entire workforce, both employees and casual workers.

Warehouse agency workers 

Sports Direct directly employs a number of staff in the Shirebrook warehouse. The remaining workers in the warehouse have contracts with one of two main agencies the Company uses to staff the warehouse. These contracts are on an agreed (between the worker and the agency) contracted hours basis. No Sports Direct employees are engaged in the Shirebrook warehouse on a ‘zero hour’ contract, and the main agencies have confirmed to us that none of their workers are engaged on a ‘zero hour’ contract.

The two main agencies that Sports Direct uses to provide workers at Shirebrook supply workers to hundreds of companies nationally including many retail warehouses. The agencies use the same core terms and conditions for all their employees (totalling c. 35,000 across the UK), with some limited localised variations. A review of all the terms and conditions applicable to the agency workers supplied to Sports Direct (including, inter alia, the operation of the strike system) will be undertaken, and we will be considering implementing appropriate additional variations once that review is completed.

Neither agency workers nor employees are subjected to ‘naming and shaming’ via publication of a league table identifying individuals by name. The Company uses an anonymous ranking system to monitor performance. An individual’s unique number (known only to the employment agencies, the Company and the worker) benchmarks staff against the anonymised data of their peers. Individuals can check their performance, should they wish to do so.

The warehouse tannoy is not used to ‘harangue’ or ‘name and shame’ staff; the tannoy is used for logistical reasons, for example, to redeploy staff to other areas of the building or to let staff know that a truck is waiting for stock to be dispatched.

Sports Direct does not penalise its staff for being ill. Sanctions may be applied if workers fail to follow the Company’s reasonable sickness absence notification procedures, which are in line with industry best practice. The Company is not aware of any occasions on which sick children have not been able to be collected from school by their parents. Sports Direct allows staff time off to look after dependants in such circumstances.

Neither Sports Direct nor the agencies it uses discriminate in favour of or against any applicant or worker on the basis of nationality or for any other reason. Both the Company and the agencies with which it works are equal opportunities employers. There are workers of various nationalities, including local British citizens, currently working in the warehouse. Neither the Company nor the agencies distinguish between workers of different nationalities; Sports Direct and the agencies value the contribution of all workers equally.

Sadly, all companies have to be cognisant of theft from warehouse operations. As such, there is a need for some security measures to be in place at Shirebrook. One simple and sensible way of managing this issue is to ensure that workers do not wear the clothing brands stocked in the warehouse. This is not an unusual practice in many retail companies’ warehouse operations. There are of course numerous other brands that staff can easily wear.

All employees, agency workers and visitors, including executive management and Board members, are subject to random searches on leaving the Shirebrook warehouse. Trained security staff conduct random searches and the Company continues to keep the process under review, with the aim of reducing any inconvenience to staff as much as possible.

Retail casual workers 

Sports Direct is not alone in using ‘zero hour’ contracts. A significant number of retailers use ‘zero hour’ contracts in their shops (as well as other companies, government and local government employers), as all parties appreciate the flexibility provided by these contracts.

Sports Direct ‘zero hour’ terms of engagement include holiday pay, and sick pay is payable where the relevant criteria for statutory sick pay are met. Sports Direct ‘zero hour’ terms do not prohibit a casual worker seeking work from another company.

A significant number of casual workers have moved from ‘zero hour’ terms into permanent employment when the circumstances allow (for example, when the worker wishes to apply for a permanent role if one becomes available). Many of these workers have developed very successful careers within Sports Direct, including the Chief Executive, senior head office management, regional managers, area managers, store managers and many more.

Staff rewards 

Virtually all casual retail workers are eligible for bonus payments in addition to their contracted hourly rate of pay. In November 2015, over 80% of retail casual workers achieved a performance-related bonus.

Sports Direct also operates one of the most successful share-based employee incentive schemes in the UK, which is open to around 2,500 participating employees.

The historical and current bonus arrangements are an integral part of the Company’s reward culture and have led directly to a significant improvement in Sports Direct’s financial performance. These arrangements have ensured that the staff are able to share in the Company’s success.

Confidential hotline 

Sports Direct operates an anonymous hotline that enables its staff to report concerns and/or make complaints confidentially, with no risk of reprisal.

Next Steps 

Sports Direct always seeks to improve and do things better, listens to criticism and acts where appropriate. With that in mind, as noted above, the Board has agreed that Mike Ashley shall personally oversee a review of all agency worker terms and conditions to ensure the Company does not just meet its legal obligations, but also provides a good environment for the entire workforce. We expect him to start that work in the New Year.

– Ends –

Powerscourt​​​​​​       T. 0207 250 1446

Rory Godson
Peter Ogden
Lisa Kavanagh

Notes to Editors

Sports Direct is the UK’s leading sports retailer by revenue and operating profit, with approximately 400 stores across the UK. The Group provides an unrivalled range of products, offering exceptional quality and unbeatable value, from a wide variety of third-party and Group-owned brands, both in-store and online. Sports Direct now operates in 20 countries in Europe. For more information please visit: www.sportsdirectplc.com

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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Staples kicks off the New Year with the new back-to-business 110% Price Match Guarantee

Staples Celebrates 30 Years of Helping Small Businesses Succeed

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) kicks off the New Year with the new back-to-business 110% Price Match Guarantee, giving customers even more confidence in Staples’ commitment to offer the best prices on products in stores and online. Staples is also helping small business owners get more for less with the Business Less List, which offers the lowest prices on 28 essentials that businesses use the most every day.

“The New Year is a crucial time for business owners, and Staples is helping our small business customers make more happen with a broad assortment of products at the lowest prices, expanded business services and easy ways to shop,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president of North American stores and online marketing, Staples. “At Staples, we have 30 years of experience helping small businesses succeed, and we’re thrilled to build on that history with the back-to-business 110% Price Match Guarantee and Business Less List.”

To coincide with the back-to-business season – a time when small business owners are preparing for the year to come – Staples will price match items sold and shipped byAmazon.com, or any retailer that sells products in retail stores and online under the same brand. As part of the 110% Price Match Guarantee, customers will receive an additional 10 percent off the difference between the Staples price and the competitor price.

In addition, the Staples Business More Account helps customers run their businesses with flexible payment options or deferred financing plans for important purchases. Plus, Staples Rewards® customers can save all year by earning up to 5% back in Staples Rewards on everything and take advantage of free shipping from Staples.com.

#MoreSmallBiz Squad

To help small businesses kick off the New Year, Staples has created the #MoreSmallBiz Squad – small business authorities who will lend their expertise to the Staples small business community. Small businesses can also use the hashtag to seek advice or assistance from the Staples #MoreSmallBiz Squad.

The #MoreSmallBiz Squad will kick off the program with a Twitter Chat on Thursday, January 7 – where they will offer back-to-business advice and best practices – and will continue to support the initiative through blog posts and other content. The group consists of:

  • Chris Brogan (@ChrisBrogan) – CEO of Owner Media Group, a sought-after public speaker and consultant, and New York Times bestselling author of eight books
  • Melissa Stewart (@MelissaOnline) – Founder of She Owns It, a website where female entrepreneurs share success stories and provide motivation for others
  • Melinda Emerson (@SmallBizLady) – Creator and host of #Smallbizchat, the longest running live chat on Twitter for small business owners, and bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months

Staples 110% Price Match Guarantee

To receive the back-to-business Staples 110% Price Match Guarantee, customers who find a lower price on a new, identical item can show it to the Staples Customer Service Desk associate at the time of purchase in a Staples store. For a price match on Staples.com, customers can call 800-333-3330.

Some exclusions apply. Excluded products and services are Staples Tech Services, postage, gift and phone cards, and apps sold on the App Center. Also, Staples does not price match to competitors’ or its own local or special events (e.g., grand opening, anniversary, clearance, timed sales and liquidation sales), or to taxes, warranties, typographical errors, merchandise credits or to contracted prices offered to customers of Staples Advantage. Visit www.staples.com/pricematch for more information.

About Staples
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples(SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

Source: Staples, Inc.

Staples, Inc.
Kristine Houston, 508-253-8468
Kristine.Houston@Staples.com
or
Carrie McElwee, 508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com

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MANGO launches its watch face for Android Wear watches

The app for Android Wear smart watches has been available since 15 December on Google PlayTM

Barcelona, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — MANGO continues its technological journey and launches its watch face for Android Wear watches.  The exclusive app for these devices transports the design and aesthetics of the brand’s latest trends to an interactive universe.

The MANGO watch face, available since 15 December, makes it possible to customise the face of the smart watch with exclusive MANGO designs.

Following the launch of the app for Apple TV, Apple Watch and the innovative Scan & Shop function for Android and iOS mobile devices (based on image recognition and augmented reality), MANGO is maintaining its commitment towards technological progress. As a pioneering brand in adapting e-commerce in Spain, MANGO turnover via mobile devices now accounts for over 30% of the company’s e-commerce turnover, representing approximately 10% of total turnover.

The watch face for Android Wear can be downloaded here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediamonks.watchface.mango

Android Wear and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

CONTACTS
PR INTERNATIONAL
PR
Spain
press@mango.com
T. +34 938 602 222

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MANGO - Watchface

MANGO – Watchface

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MANGO opens 2,500 m2 store in Barcelona; its largest in Spain

The new store will have a surface area of 2,500 m2 and is located on the mythical Las Ramblas in Barcelona

Barcelona, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — This weekend, MANGO will open its largest store in Spain. The store will be located in the heart of Barcelona, at number 132 Las Ramblas.

The new store will have a selling space of over 2,500 m2, distributed over 5 floors. It will sell all the company’s lines: Woman, Man and Kids.

The store, which represents an investment of 25 million euros for the Spanish fashion chain, will create 60 new jobs. This opening is part of the process of transforming the retail chain initiated in 2013 with the opening of megastores: stores with a selling space of 800 m2 or more that stock all or most of the company’s lines. Since then, the firm has opened over 150 megastores worldwide.

Daniel López, Vice-Chairman of MANGO and Expansion Director, commented: For MANGO it is a great honour to open such a special store, after 2 years of refurbishment works, in such an emblematic building located in the tourist centre of Barcelona. This project is part of the strategy to open stores adopting the megastore concept in prime locations in Spain, in addition to the recent projects in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Milan and in Victoria Street, London.

MANGO opened its first store on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia in 1984, and now has over 2,700 stores in 108 countries. MANGO closed the 2014 financial year with a Consolidated Group turnover for the MANGO-MNG Holding of 2.017 billion euros, representing a 9% increase on 2013, and an EBITDA of 223 million euros.

For more information, visit press.mango.com

CONTACTS
PR INTERNATIONAL
PR
Spain
press@mango.com
T. +34 938 602 222
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MANGO - Las Ramblas Barcelona

MANGO – Las Ramblas Barcelona

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Weis Markets opened in-store beer café at its Muncy store in Pennsylvania

Sunbury, PA and Muncy, PA, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Weis Markets today announced it has opened an in-store beer café at its Muncy store located on 1272 East Penn Street. The café received final approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and opened Thursday afternoon.

The 30-seat café sells beer for both take-out and on-premise consumption and offers more than 900 varieties, including a wide selection of imported and regional craft beers such as Old Forge Brewing Company, SBC and Troeg’s .

The company now operates beer cafés in 39 stores in Pennsylvania including its Lycoming Creek Road location in Williamsport.

For more information on Weis Markets and its locations, visit WeisMarkets.com.

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About Weis Markets
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. For more information, please visit: WeisMarkets.com or Facebook.com/WeisMarkets.

SOURCE: Weis Markets

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Weis Markets opened in-store beer café at its Muncy store in Pennsylvania

Weis associate Pamela Gallew stocking new in-store beer cafe in Muncy

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Schnuck Markets, Inc. to open second Schnucks store to serve the residents of Peoria and the surrounding area

PEORIA, Ill., 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets, Inc. is pleased to announce plans for a second Schnucks store to serve the residents of Peoria and the surrounding area. The new 70,000-square foot, full-service grocery and pharmacy will be built at the northwest corner of Knoxville and Alta Roads in north Peoria.

David Fontana, Schnucks vice president of real estate, says the new store will employ approximately 150 teammates, anchoring a shopping center with additional retail space and outparcels available.

“We are pleased to be able to serve even more residents in the Peoria area,” Fontana said. “We have a great customer base at our University Street store and look forward to bringing our unique combination of quality products, service, value and variety to customers at our new north Peoria location.”

In addition to Schnucks “Savings Salute” which guarantees low prices on everyday grocery items as well as exciting weekly ad prices, this location will feature service meat and seafood departments with a sushi bar, a service deli with sliced-to-order specialties including Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, a floral department, a fresh bakery, specialty cheese section and extensive prepared foods in addition to traditional grocery departments. Schnucks full-service pharmacy expedites prescription pick-up with a convenient drive-through window.

Council member Casey Johnson from Peoria’s 5th District said, “I’m thrilled that Schnucks has decided to expand to further service the overwhelming swell of new residents on the north side of Peoria. The combination of services and employment will be a welcome addition to this growing area.”

Construction on the site begins in spring 2016 with the store and pharmacy scheduled to open prior to the 2016 holiday season.

The current Peoria Schnucks store, located at 4800 University Street, opened in November 1999. Earlier that same year, Schnucks opened its nearby Pekin location when the company bought Mr. K’s Super Saver.

About Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned grocery/pharmacy retailer committed to nourishing people’s lives. The company takes pride in its community partnerships and gives in kind and cash donations to more than 500 not-for-profit organizations each year. Schnucks currently operates 99 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. Privately held, Schnucks employs nearly 15,000 teammates and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Follow Schnucks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Schnucks.

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Media Contact: Paul Simon
314-994-4603
psimon@schnucks.com

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Signet Jewelers Limited to release its holiday sales results on Thursday, January 7, 2016

HAMILTON, Bermuda, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE and LSE: SIG), intends to announce its holiday sales results at approximately 7:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 7, 2016.

On that date there will be a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EST and a simultaneous audio webcast and slide presentation available at www.signetjewelers.com. The slides will be available to be downloaded from the website ahead of the conference call.

The call details are:
Dial-in: +1 (647) 788 4901
Confirmation Code: 3157781

Source: Signet Jewelers Limited

Signet Jewelers Limited

James Grant, VP Investor Relations, 1-330-668-5412

or

David Bouffard, VP Corporate Affairs, 1-330-668-5369

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LuLu Group to open its first hypermarket in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt, 2015-12-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — LuLu Group has set its foot in Egypt by opening its first hypermarket in Cairo, capital of Egypt. The 119th hypermarket was inaugurated by Khalid Hanafy, Egyptian Minister for Trade, in the presence of Galal El Saeed, Governor of Cairo, Mohamed Abdul Sayed, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Khalifa Thunaiji, Deputy UAE Ambassador to Egypt, and other high ranking government and civil officials. Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group, Saifee T. Rupawala, CEO, Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director, Mohamed Althaf, Director of LuLu Egypt, and other top company officials were also present on the occasion.

The new store is located in Twin Plaza, opposite Police Academy, on the Zakir Hussein road extension in the 1st settlement of New Cairo. Spread over an area of 170,000 square feet, the new store is specially designed to offer the residents with a world class shopping experience like never before with fair prices and friendly service. The hypermarket will provide the widest range of quality and value-for-money products all under one roof.

Commenting on LuLu Group’s Egypt plans, Yusuff Ali said, “We consider Egypt as a very important market for us and our experience of more than four decades of success and accomplishment in the retail industry is sure to help us become the most popular retailer in the region. Egyptians are already well aware of LuLu and we hope to bring world class shopping closer to them in various important locations of this great country. As per the plan, we intend to invest EGP 3 billion US$ 300 Million in setting up 10 new hypermarkets in the next 2 years across Egypt”.

“The hypermarket will also offer a window of opportunity to local community. We will encourage the Egyptian agricultural sector by procuring & promoting local agricultural produce and also export them to our stores across the GCC and Far East. Currently we are exporting EGP 50 million and this will go up to EGP 150 million next year”, Yusuff Ali added. Main exporting products include fruits & vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and pickles. LuLu also plans to set up its own food processing plants to further boost the exports.

“We believe that having a strong national workforce is vital to our long-term success as it helps in creating sustainable community living. Currently, there are more than 800 Egyptians employed at our new hypermarket in Cairo and we intent to employ 10,000 more Egyptians in the next 2 years. We already have more than 3,000 working in our operations in GCC countries and will continuously train them in our various operations”, said Yusuff Ali.

The new hypermarket provides the widest range of quality and value-for-money products all under one roof. It has separate sections for fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, ready-to-eat products and a live bakery. The outlet also offers a huge area dedicated to electronics, IT products, home appliances, sports, furnishing and furniture, kitchenware, toys, stationery, and health & beauty products. The new hypermarket also offers a wide choice of world-class fashion brands and products for men, women and children. A special area is also dedicated for promoting local products and handicrafts of Egypt.

The systematically arranged sections promise customers an easy and hassle-free shopping experience. Extra-wide aisles, extensively laid out counters and ample parking space are some of the distinguishing features of the new store.

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LuLu Group to open its first hypermarket in Cairo, Egypt

LuLu Group to open its first hypermarket in Cairo, Egypt

SOURCE: LuLu Hypermarket