Lulu Group opens 20th hypermarket in Qatar at The Pearl-Qatar

The leading retailer Lulu Group yesterday opened its 20th hypermarket in Qatar at Giardino, The Pearl-Qatar ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup, reaffirming its strong presence in the region.

The two-level, 150,000 square feet store with all state-of-the-art amenities was inaugurated by Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group Dr. Yusuff Ali M A in the presence of Director of Lulu Group International Dr. Mohamed Althaf.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Hassan bin Khaled Al Thani; Turki bin Mohammed Al Khater, Chairman, UDC; Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, President & CEO, UDC; Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmed M.A. Al Thani; Hussain Ibrahm Alfardan; Fahad Alfardan; Hussain Al Baker; Joseph Abraham, Group CEO of the Commercial Bank of Qatar; Ambassadors representing India, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Panama and Georgia and Senior Commercial Officer from the US Embassy.

Speaking to the mediapersons at the event, Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group Dr. Yusuff Ali M A, said: “We are very happy to inaugurate our flagship hypermarket in The Pearl-Qatar. We are thankful to the authorities of The Pearl-Qatar for their support in opening the new store.”

He thanked H H the Amir, H E Prime Minister and the government of Qatar for their wholehearted support. 

“The new Lulu Hypermarket will serve a large number of customers of different nationalities and fans of mega sporting event, and residents of The Pearl-Qatar by offering high quality foods according to their tastes,” said Dr. Yusuff Ali. Giardino at The Pearl-Qatar which is housing the new Lulu Hypermarket is a futuristic project that extends over an artificial peninsula having vast leisure destination with public marinas, avenues, hotels, several multi-purpose residential mixed use entertainment and commercial facilities.   The new store brings to the shoppers all the convenience that the Group’s Hypermarket chain features: an abundant range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood from around the world, an in-house bakery to serve up freshly baked breads and cakes, as well as shopping options that tap into new award-winning trends. 

These include Lulu’s celebrated ‘Planet Y’, which showcases a wide selection of plant-based meat substitutes and foods, a special organic and superfood selections, an extensive ‘free-from’ range and a zero-waste refill station where eco-conscious shoppers can refill reusable containers with dry goods, including pasta, grains and other items.

Dr. Yusuff Ali M A, Turki bin Mohammed Al Khater, Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan and others cutting the ribbon.

The store also includes popular Lulu shopping stations such as Lulu Fashion, the electronics section Lulu Connect, EyeXpress, the beauty and cosmetics division BLSH and an extensive section dedicated to the latest IOT appliances and electronics. Customers will find commuting easy with 500 parking spaces at their disposal and self-check-out and green check-out counters in-store.  Lulu is committed to deliver the same level of excellence in customer service and quality to the customers in this new hypermarket as well. 

For shoppers’ convenience, the mall itself has a choice of amenities such as ATM counters, food courts, money exchange, pharmacy and beauty salon. 

They have also made available services like Wheelchair, sitting area and Gift wrapping, etc.  As an initiative towards sustainability, the new store is also equipped with the Reverse vending machine for recycling plastic bottles, etc.  

The major highlights of the new hypermarket are smart technology utilised to make the shopping experience smoother — from self-check outs to a new system to ensure no waiting and hassle-free checkout.

There are Zero Waste refill stations, where shoppers can refill reusable containers with dry goods, including pasta, grains and other items and a vegan and vegetarian section under the name ‘Planet-Y’, offering plant-based meat alternatives.

Other highlights include a section set apart for Vegan, Organic, Keto-friendly, Super Food, Gluten-free, Protein, Dairy-free, Under-100 Calories and No Added Sugar items, a Sushi station with a trained sushi chef freshly made maki rolls and sashimi, and a Kimchi Station.  The new hypermarket also hosts a Juice Station with all varieties of freshly made juices. The Super Food Pantry stocks affordable superfood items, including acai, quinoa and goji berries and a vast area is dedicated to fresh market produce section. The features of the hypermarket in detail are as following:  

Planet Y: LuLu is the first retailer to open a vegan hypermarket destination with a service counter entirely dedicated to plant-based products and meat-free options.  

Zero-waste Refill Center: Two aisles in the store are completely dedicated to refills where shoppers can buy refillable containers, use a paper bag or bring their own container. Customers can refill the products  such as tea, cereals, pasta and other essentials.  This initiative will encourage to reduce and recycle.  Major brands such as 24 Matra, Organic Tattva, Agrofino, Somerset, White’s and Pasta Toscana  are currently available at the refill aisles.  

Super Food Pantry: Nutritious food doesn’t have to be expensive. The dedicated Pantry is an affordable everyday super food aisle.  

Free From Worries: Free from sugar, preservatives and other additives, the Free From Worries area offers the very best products sourced from around the globe. You can also find items for specific diets here, including Keto, Gluten Free, Vegan and more. 

The Internet of Things: LuLu, The Pearl Island is your go-to for smart home accessories. A Smart Home means a smarter and more comfortable lifestyle. And to help update, upgrade and get your fridge to tell you when you need to stock up on ingredients or your home to be on energy-saving zone or even if you want a security grid with CCTV on your mobile phone — the IoT options can be explored in the “Thing”, LuLu’s 2000 square feet IoT department.  The new store has a department dedicated to the Internet of Things and Smart home devices that will demystify the Internet of Things in the concept of smart home”.
Celebrating World Foods: As with all LuLu Hypermarkets, the Pearl Island Hypermarket will also have the tastiest and most authentic World Gourmet Foods.

This includes our first sushi ranges and a dedicated kimchi selection.  

All Our Favourite Things: Artisanal breads and custom-made cakes in the in-store bakery, the largest fresh produce space, a delicatessen with global cold cuts, condiments and cheeses, state-of-the-art seafood (a destination for the pescatarians!) and meat chillers and display areas — you will be spoilt for choice. 

Value-For-Money Lulu Fashion Brands: The popular brand, the Eyexpress eyewear brand that brings swag to your vision and BLSH, the high-quality cosmetics range will all be available to pump up your style quotient.

A Connection to Digital Progress: The digital accessories for a well-connected life have never been more important: laptops, smart phones and HD televisions, smart home appliances and more. All these will be found in LuLu Connect, the branded digital marketplace of the hypermarket.