Sharaf DG and Union Co-Op seal strategic deal

The alliance marks another Sharaf DG footprint in a prominent address besides the seven existing ones in Times Square Center, Ibn Batutta Mall, Deira City Centre Mall, Dubai Mall, Mankhool, Abu Dhabi Duty Free and Bahrain City Centre.

From Union Co-Op's point of view, the partnership will enable the hypermarket to attract a larger segment of customers by offering an extensive range of electronics within its premises. This will bring it on level playing terms with competing hypermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu and others and help strengthen its position in the retail market.

Commenting on the strategic tie-up, Mr Nilesh Khalkho, CEO Sharaf DG said:

"Despite the current gloomy market sentiment, Sharaf DG has been witnessing a steady growth in sales, primarily on account of our attractive promotions, exhaustive product range, lowest price guarantee and excellent customer service. This has encouraged us to continue with our ambitious expansion plans even though other companies are scaling back their operations. Union Co-Op is a very popular hypermarket chain with a philosophy and reputation similar to Sharaf DG - quality products at the best prices. Hence our decision to join hands and open our store at the hypermarket's Al Wasl branch, which is a great location. We hope to extend this co-operation to other Union Co-Op branches in time to come."

Within the past few months, Sharaf DG has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy in the GCC. It started with the opening of a store in Dubai Mall in November '08. This was closely followed with the opening of the first Sharaf DG store outside the UAE in the iconic Bahrain City Centre Mall, the largest shopping mall in the Kingdom in December '08. The 50,000 square foot outlet located on the second level of Bahrain City Centre marks Sharaf DG's venture into other Middle East markets.

Then came the launch of the unique concept store 'Sharaf DG 4U' in the Mankhool area of Dubai. The 5,000 square foot electronics store stocks only the fastest moving models and features exclusive ongoing promotions throughout the year, making it the ideal shopping destination for customers looking for the best offers in town on the most popular products in the market.

Sharaf DG plans to continue to drive forward its business at the same feverish pace in 2009.