EMKE Group plans outlets in Saudi, Egypt and India

EMKE Group plans outlets in Saudi, Egypt and India
BY HASEEB HAIDER KHALEEJ TIMES 13 January 2008

ABU DHABI — UAE-based retail giant EMKE Group, which is eyeing a larger share of the regional retail market, has plans to enter the fast growing economies of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India with ambitious business plans.

The group, which operates 66 shopping outlets under the flagship 'Lulu' brand is adding three new stores this week itself. The first one was opened in the newly launched Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi, yesterday, which will be followed by Barka in Oman today and Karama in Dubai on January 16.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Yusuffali MA, managing director of the group said, "After firmly establishing our presence in the region we are now focusing on increasing our retail network both in the existing as well as new markets. With the opening of these three hypermarkets our total store count will reach 69 and we intend to hit the 75 mark by the end of the year," he added.

This position will be further consolidated this year with Lulu entering the Saudi market.

"Saudi Arabian market was always on our radar, but we wanted to firm up our position in the rest of the GCC before we venture into the largest regional economy," said Yusuffali.

He said the group has got tremendous response from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India for its plans to enter into those markets. "The group is finalising its plans to open shopping outlets in the three large economies very soon," he added.

The retail market scene in the UAE is very competitive with the presence of several known international chains, which also have aggressive plans to expand in the region. The recent announcement of UK chain Whiterose is also sure to add to the excitement.

Commenting on the international competition Yusuffali said "We always welcome competition as this brings in new ideas and helps us set higher standards. Even with the presence of big international players the reason we have grown in numbers in both store as well as shoppers, is because of our approach."

He said that EMKE Group has always been international in its approach, whether it is store layouts, quality of products and services, product profile or even staff.

The group, which last year diversified into shopping malls and real estate, has already launched three malls — Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiyah Mall and Al Raha Mall in Abu Dhabi, with seven projects coming up in other cities in GCC and India.