Retail Arabia to open French hypermarket Géant in The Gardens Shopping Mall

Géant hypermarket is a part of the French retailing giant Groupe Casino, which has a turnover in excess of US$ 30 billion. The agreement confirms Retail Arabia's commitment to open its first hypermarket in the UAE. The hypermarket will cover a floor space of 180,000 square feet including service areas and will sell over 65,000 products ranging from groceries to textiles, fashion wear, electronics, household items and more.

At the signing ceremony Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of The Gardens Shopping Mall said, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Géant as one of our anchor tenants in The Gardens Shopping Mall. In this region Géant have a partnership with Retail Arabia, one of the largest and oldest retailing groups in the GCC. We are confident that their extensive experience in the retailing profession will deliver a wealth of benefits to Dubai's retail scene".

Further commenting on the deal Andrew Chambers, General Manager of The Gardens Shopping Mall said, "This is the first of many announcements that clearly demonstrates our success in bringing new, world class retail brands to Dubai. It is part of our strategy to ensure we have a combination of unique local and international brands within the mall. This combination will ultimately ensure we provide a unique shopping experience in Dubai".

Retail Arabia's investment in this Géant hypermarket will total around $20 million dollars and once operational it is expected to employ a multicultural mix of 400 plus staff from the world over.

Commenting on the deal Mazher Papar, Director, Retail Arabia said, "Our decision to open a store in Dubai was based on the tremendous potential we see for retailing here, combined with Dubai's clear focus on international retailing standards. Dubai has an excellent location within the UAE, GCC and Middle East and attracts thousands of shoppers annually".

"The decision to partner with The Gardens Shopping Mall is also due to our belief that the future of Dubai and the city's growth is going to happen immediately around this location. The mall is also designed and structured uniquely to attract shoppers, and its management vision of international standards with local know how positions it strongly in our view".

There is currently one Géant hypermarket operating in the GCC in Bahrain. It opened in May 2001 to an overwhelming market response with over 150,000 people visiting the hypermarket within the first few days.

Robert Pinault, Director - Groupe Casino said, "The success of the Géant hypermarket in Bahrain is based on the availability of international brands as well as high value substitutes and the extensive array of product lines to serve every need. The economy of size also works in favour of customers, who receive maximum value. Our new hypermarket in Dubai will be modelled to match the best on offer in France".

Géant's philosophy world over is to offer value to the customer in the best environment possible. Its strength lies in offering the lowest prices in an aesthetic ambience.

The Gardens Shopping Mall - a Nakheel project - is located in The Gardens, just off Sheikh Zayed road between interchange 5 and 6. The Mall will combine retail, entertainment, restaurant and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment. Construction is well on schedule with an expected opening date of September 2004.

The inspiration behind the unique design of the shopping mall - which seeks to expand beyond the retail space - is the travels of the famous Arab explorer Ibn Battuta. The mall will therefore exhibit five country-themed shopping zones to reflect Battuta's travels through Morocco, Egypt, Persia, India and China.

Not only with the theme be a major attraction but the world's largest indoor maze on the same site is also set to delight.