Cellucom confirms opening 16 new retail locations in UAE

The expansion is targeted to tap the growing market for mobility products and accessories. The new stores are part of Cellucom's retail expansion and consolidation plan in the region. The additional stores bring the total number of Cellucom retail locations in UAE to 40.

All outlets are located in convenient locations that include Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, Al Wahda Mall and soon in Khalidiya Mall, Reef Mall, Festival City, Dukan Tamarhind, and Greens Community in Dubai. Cellucom has also opened their Xpress Stores in 9 Etisalat Business Centers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah The strategic move has been partly initiated in association with Etisalat as both co-locate to all the new destinations.

As a long-term player in the industry, Cellucom has a solid understanding of the dynamic needs of the Middle East consumer, who look forward to innovative products and the latest designs. The company has drawn up an impressive plan for growth in the region that includes a dramatic expansion of its retail and distribution network and which, once completed, will offer consumers easy access to the most comprehensive selection of mobility solution products in the region.

'There is tremendous potential across the GCC as the mobility industry is sitting on very healthy growth prospects. The desire to grow beyond borders and exceed consumer expectations has led us to determine the market prospects. Currently we have close to 100 outlets in the region, and over 100 locations in India. We expect this number to reach 600 by end 2007,'

said Arun Nagar, CEO and Managing Director, Cellucom Group.

Cellucom has also been awarded Superbrand status in UAE for 2007, while competing with over 800 brands active in the UAE market.

Strong brand building exercise and excellent retailing has earned the mobility solutions provider the much-coveted award. Superbrand program aims to identify those brands that are performing above and beyond others within the market. Superbrand status strengthens a brand's position, adds prestige, and sets the brand apart from its competitors.

As part of the expansion strategy, Cellucom has ventured into tie-ups with operators across GCC. Cellucom has signed an agreement with Oman based telecom operator Nawras to launch and promote usage of electronic vouchers by the country's rapidly growing base of prepaid mobile subscribers. This unique initiative marks the departure of plastic card usage and redefines the future of recharge in Oman.

Cellucom shall now offer Nawras 'e-recharge' across its entire network of more than 600 dealers, which means all Nawras subscribers can now enjoy greater options for recharging than before. The joint initiative would facilitate both Nawras customers to obtain credit quickly and easily, wherever they may be located.

This expansion is in line with the company's strategy to increase presence and further consolidate its geographical spread. 'This is principally the sole driver behind all our moves as I see Cellucom's portfolio increasingly becoming an expression of Fashionable Products and Intelligent Solutions,' stated Mr. Nagar.