Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), a leading diversified business group in the UAE, has announced plans to expand its presence in the Abu Dhabi retail market with a major investment, launching six new stores covering an approximate area of 70,000 square feet.

The new openings will focus on home furnishings, home appliances and fashion, with stores for United Colors of Benetton, Flexa Kids Furniture, IDdesign, Interiors and two Better Life stores.

Raja Al Gurg, managing director of ESAG, said the Group had decided to increase its retail presence in the Abu Dhabi market, with the opening of all six stores at the Al Wahda and Al Raha malls by October of this year.

'With an increase in population, a rise in individual spending power and more shopping centres appearing, Abu Dhabi is developing into an important hub for retailers,' She said.

'We are confident that now is the right time, strategically, for us to enhance our presence in this dynamic emirate, establishing larger and more diverse retail locations in key shopping districts.'

ESAG, puts heavy emphasis on quality and design in its retail interests. The company wants to make a significant contribution to Abu Dhabi's upscale lifestyle, interiors and apparel markets.

Products in the stores will be similar to those in Dubai, but will be tailored to meet the requirements of customers in the capital.

'We make sure we meet the needs of customers, which may be a little different in each location,' added Ajai Dayal, general manager, Retail and Marketing, ESAG.

He added: 'We are also looking at hiring more people to ensure the level of customer service that is consistent in all our stores across the UAE.'

Raja al Gurg allowed that the new openings involve a 'major outlay' for ESAG. But, she added, expansion is a key part of the group's business strategy, and it will continue to open new outlets across the UAE, including an Interiors, Better Life and Dulux at Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah before the end of this year.

The new store openings in Abu Dhabi are: IDdesign and Better Life outlets at Al Wahda Mall, Better Life, Flexa Kids Furniture and United Colors of Benetton at Al Raha Mall, and Interiors on Hamdan Street. TradeArabia News Service