Lulu Hypermarket, a major retail chain in the Middle East, opened its fourth branch in Bahrain at Hidd yesterday, its 98th store in the region.

An opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

Present were guest of honour Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, Lulu Group managing director M A Yusuffali, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Juma Al Ka'abi, Works Minister Essam Khalaf, Muharraq governor Salman bin Hindi and other dignitaries.

The store is conveniently located to serve Muharraq, Hidd and Amwaj residential areas, said officials.

It will also be the biggest retail presence for upcoming townships such as Diyaar Al Muharraq, they added.

The 500,000 sq ft space includes a 300,000 sq ft hypermarket and other outlets and facilities.

"The fourth LuLu Hypermarket in Bahrain located in Hidd is part of our ambitious expansion plans in Bahrain, which we entered in 2007," said Yusuffali.

"It is a symbol of our confidence in Bahrain's bright future and our commitment to the country's Vision 2030 that we are continuing to expand.

"Bahrain is an important market in our overall plans and has always been a promising destination for our investments. We thank Bahrain's leadership and authorities for their support and co-operation."

Yusuffali said that the three-level hypermarket had been carefully planned bearing in mind needs of customers.
 "The store's fashion section is stacked with the latest high-street trends across apparel, accessories and footwear for all age groups and the whole family," he said.

"There is a colourful school supplies section, a department for home accessories, home fabrics, decor and furniture.

"The electronics section showcases everything from state-of-the-art home theatre systems to white goods and laptops and mobile phones."

Yusuffali said that the freshest fruit and vegetables from around the world, the best cuts of meat and a wide range of local and imported fish would be available within driving distance for Muharraq customers.

He said that this was in addition to exotic cheeses and bakery section with fresh-baked goods. "LuLu's popular Hot Food section will stock a wide range of popular ready-to-eat foods such as pizzas, pastas, fried snacks, sandwiches, biryani, curries, kebabs and grills," said Yusuffali.

"Delicious Arabic, Indian and continental cuisine offers shoppers the most tasty and healthy delights, thus complementing their shopping experience."

Yusuffali said that besides the hypermarket, the store would soon welcome a range of specialty store brands such as A La Mode, Zohoor Alreef, Shades Perfumes, Classic Watches, Hour Choice, Mikyajay, I Care Mobiles, Canon, Zain Telecom and OSN Networks.

"There is the Food Court that will shortly feature well-loved names such as Rice Bowl, Little Caesars, Jasmis, Dajajio Chicken, Bellanapoli Pizzeria, Vanellis, Sukiyaki, Chicking, Charley's Grilled Subs, Baskin and Robbins and Yogberry Frozen Yogurt as well as dine-in brands Nando's and Lebanese Dining," he said.

The Fox Amusement Centre provides shoppers with a safe play area for children, said Yusuffali. - TradeArabia News Service