Emirates Post announces partnership with Val-U-Shop

Val-U-Shop is a branded reseller network of Cellucom, a leading distributor of mobile communication devices and accessories in the UAE. The Val-U-Shop outlets at the post offices will stock leading mobile phone brands, including Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, as well as provide facilities for trying out PC games and downloading content from the Internet such as designer ringtones, clever Java games and animated screensaver.

The agreement to launch the mobile phone retail sales through post-offices was signed recently by Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post and Mr. Arun Nagar, Managing Director of Cellucom.

"This agreement with Val-U-Shop represents a dramatic new development in our strategy to offer retail services through post-offices," said Mr. Al Daboos. "Our customers will be able to shop for mobile phones from leading brands and also avail of attractive deals and special offers. The concept of retail services will be expanded further in 2004, with the addition of several products and services through our network of post offices."

"Our partnership with Val-U-Shop comes as a result of an extensive search for the right retail partner in the field of mobile devices. Val-U-shop not only represents the world's leading brands but also boasts a professional customer-centric approach to sales, a concept that is shared by Emirates Post. We are positive that this partnership will add value to our retail offering," Mr. Al Daboos added.

"Val-U-Shop has made impressive inroads into the UAE and GCC markets," said Mr. Nagar. "This partnership with Emirates Post presents us with a dynamic opportunity to reach out to new customers through post-offices. Post offices have a large footfall and we are confident that Emirates Post's high standards of service and the strength of Val-U-Shop products will boost the sales of mobile phones and related products, as a result of this agreement."

"The Val-U-Shop model offers benefits for manufacturers as well as consumers," added Nagar. "For the manufacturer, it allows better control over the brand image, and for the consumer it entails best value for money. Val-U-Shop outlets will provide an ideal environment for Emirates Post customers to shop for the latest mobile devices at competitive prices."

Each post-office will have a huge colourful Playstation featuring several PC games. Customers can try out different games as well as purchase them at the counter. Customers can also buy UClub prepaid cards, thus enabling them to download many of the site's select offerings, including ring-tones, Java games, and animated screensavers. Launched by Cellucom, UClub is an online community for mobile phone users.