2007
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Emax targets $136m
Emax, a division of Dubai's Landmark Group and a consumer electronics retailer, is hoping to generate sales of $136m across the GCC in the 2007-8 tax year, reported Gulf News. Emax currently has two stores in the UAE, two in Saudi Arabia, two in Bahrain, and one each in Qatar and Oman. Plans are in place to open 40 stores across the GCC and India by 2010.
Go-Sport hits Saudi
Saudi Arabia's Al Sawani Group has launched the Go-Sport sportswear chain in the kingdom. Al Sawani has opened two stores in Riyadh, at the Al Hayat Mall and the Ghurnatah Mall, two more in Jeddah, at the Al Hayat Mall and the Ghurnatah Mall, and is planning on opening one soon in Al Khobar, at the Al Fo'ad Mall.
Riyadh market blaze
A major fire broke out last night in the Yemeni and Kerala market areas of the Al Batha district in downtown Riyadh, reported Arab News. The cause of the fire which appears to have gutted a large number of shops, many of them selling textiles and electronics, is as yet unknown. The blaze started just after sunset and required the evacuation of the Safa Makkah Polyclinic.
Gold white hot in Qatar
Jewellery made from white gold has proved popular among shoppers in Qatar during the first three weeks of Ramadan, with sales of 24 carat gold slow, reported the Peninsular. Retailers have said the majority of customers are cash-rich nationals and sales are expected to remain strong until Eid Al Fitr. Jewellery outlets have also revealed that up to 20% of those buying white gold have been young women.
Medicine Shoppe to Dubai
Medicine Shoppe International (MSI) is opening five pharmacies in Dubai this year. Two of the stores are opening this month, while the remaining three should be rolled out later in the autumn; MSI has agreed a master franchise agreement with the Al Zahrawi Group. MSI also has a presence in the US, Canada, China, India, Indonesia and Japan.
RAK seizes retailers
The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has arrested seven retailers after they were found to be making large quantities of 'adulterated' yoghurt, reported Gulf News. The municipality claims the retailers used one bottle of milk to generate 12 bottles of yoghurt. Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, the DG of the municipality, said new rules and regulations would be drawn up for the dairy sector to ensure public health.
Azal opens shop in Bahrain
Azal, Al Tayer Group's multi-brand store for luxury watches and fine jewellery, is opening its first store in Bahrain, located in the new extension of Al A'Ali Mall. The store currently has four locations in the UAE, and plans to have a total of fifteen across the GCC by 2010.
Al Islami Foods targets Europe
Dubai-based halal food producer Al Islami Foods is teaming up with 3663 First for Foodservice, a leading foodservice distributor in the UK, to cater to the British, German and the Benelux markets for Al Islami's range of halal products. Al Islami expects sales to reach US$80m in 2008 and US$600m over the next five years. The halal market in Europe is worth US$16bn.
Virgin in Mideast remains intact
Virgin Megastore branding in the Middle East will not be affected by the buyout in UK and Irish outlets as it is a franchised operation by the French Lagardere Group. Virgin Megastore is currently the largest entertainment retailer in the Middle East region, with more than 60% share of the market and operates a total of 9 retail stores in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt and is set to open two new outlets in Jordan and Sharm El Sheikh.
Tainted apple juice pulled
Abu Dhabi's Food Control Authority has pulled some Masafi apple juice from the market due to contamination, reported Gulf News. Tests showed that some of the 200mm juice packs with production date of July 10, 2007 and expiry date of November 9, 2007 contained 'mould and strange residues.' The cause of the contamination is believed to be a manufacturing defect.
Gold coin for Sheikh Mohammed
The first souvenir gold coin produced by Visions of Dubai, under the supervision of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, has been unveiled to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The 22 carat gold coin, which was first announced earlier this year, features Sheikh Mohammed on one side and the Burj Al Arab on the other.
Landmark Group into India
Max Hypermarkets India, part of Dubai's Landmark Group, has signed a licensing agreement with food store retailer Spar International. The deal enables Max Hypermarkets to open Spar branded hypermarkets and supermarkets across India, including seven new stores over the next two years. The first two stores are expected to open in Bangalore next month.
UAE retailers feel pinch
Supermarket chains in the UAE such as Spinneys and Lulu Hypermarkets are sourcing cheaper items than those usually imported from Europe to avoid steeper importation costs due to the dirham's decline against global currencies, reported Gulf News. But supermarkets have noticed no drop-off in the sales of European items despite price hikes. Ashraf Ali, the Executive Director of the Lulu Hypermarket Group, said importation costs from Europe had risen by 20%.
Baroue to Avenues Mall
Kuwait's MS Retail has launched the children's clothing and toy store Baroue at the Avenues Mall. The store will occupy around 65,000 sqft and will offer around 20,000 different products. The outlet will also offer a cafe, juice bar, books section, party rooms, photo studio and nail bar.
Club Monaco to Wafi
Clothing retailer Club Monaco has opened a store in the new extension at Dubai's Wafi City. There are more than 65 Club Monaco outlets worldwide and the chain plans to open new stores in the UK, the Philippines as well as in Philadelphia in the US. Club Monaco is owned by Polo Ralph Lauren.
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