Retailing takes a big leap
Oman is fast catching up with "mall
culture", which is so predominant in the
neighbouring countries. Shopping complexes have
sprung up in Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa and Sohar.
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In Muscat,
the malls are mostly situated in Qurum,
Al-Khuwair and Seeb. Elsewhere in the
Sultanate, they are concentrated in tourist
areas. These malls are unlike the towering
and impressive Dubai malls, but their
arrival has been greeted warmly by the
Omanis.
Fashionable façades, daring displays,
an ever-increasing number of international
brands, loyalty cards, cineplexes, food
courts and kid zones in malls are some
of the indicators that retailing has taken
firm roots in the land. |
Again, the Omani malls, unlike Dubai malls,
have their own character and ambience. Dubai
malls depend largely on a floating population
of visitors, but Omani malls cater to citizens,
residents and a small number of tourists.
Coming a long way from the humble yet much patronized
souqs (markets) to ultra-modern shopping complexes,
Muscat's shopping malls offer you where everything
from a pin to a piano. Consumer items, perishables,
top-notch brands in jewellery, electronics,
appliances, sports equipment, lingerie, linen,
furniture, footwear, perfumes, house decor,
watches, as well as traditional goods like rose-water
sprinklers, coffee pots, incense burners, fragrant
frankincense, rugs/carpets, etc., are available.
UAE-based EMKE Group has opened two Lulu Hypermarkets
in Muscat and one each in Salalah and Sohar.
These modern shopping centers have transformed
the shopping experience for people of Oman,
UAE and Qatar by offering consumers high quality
and value-for-money goods. Lulu outlets have
successfully integrated all conceivable needs
of consumers under one roof while offering an
eclectic range of international and regional
brands and value-added services that enhance
the shopping experience.
The EMKE group has expanded faster than any
other retail chain in Oman. . The Lulu Hypermarkets,
which range from 200,000 sq ft to 250,000 sq
ft, have literally given the long-established
retailers a run for their money. It has also
recently taken over the management of Al Burj
hypermarket in Muscat and plans to open three
more hypermarkets in Salalah, Sur in the East
and Nizwa in the interior over the next two
years.
"We are also expanding our first hypermarket
in Muscat at Baushar by adding a mall,"
informed M.A Yusuffali, Managing Director of
EMKE Group, which employs more than 1400 Omani
nationals. He further stated that the sole aim
of giving the customer the best has been the
secret of the company’s success all over
the GCC, especially Oman where the hypermarkets
have been well received and, within a span of
just two years, given rise to a demand for more
outlets.
General Manager of Safeer Hypermarket Agnelo
Govia informed that all outlets are doing very
well and that the chain is always thinking of
introducing new goods for its customers. "People
come here not only for essential items but also
for a whole range of articles, from garments
to jewellery. The trend of shopping for many
different goods under one roof has now picked
up very well in Oman," he said.
After opening its eighth outlet, a 21,500 sq
ft store at Markaz al Bahja in December 2005,
the Al Fair supermarket is planning to set up
another one in Azaiba (Muscat) in the next few
months. The Kuwait-based Sultan Centre, which
has its retail and wholesale outlets at Qurum
and Al Khoud, is planning to start three new
branches by end of 2006.
The UAE-based Al Safeer Group has a 150,000
sq ft Safeer hypermarket in Azaiba besides the
Safeer Centers in Sohar and Barka. In February
2006, Khimji's Mart opened its eighth supermarket
in the Madinat Qaboos area of Muscat. The group
now has five outlets in the capital and one
each in Sur, Nizwa and Samayil.
Major malls
Al Araimi
It is a popular meeting place and great location
to look for the latest in international fashion,
accessories, electronics, computers and music.
Also houses an art gallery and shops selling
hand-made furniture and woven rugs and carpets.
Al
Harthy
Easily recognisable by its unique design
which features a star-filled dome, the
complex has spacious floors with more
than 100 retail shops. With a video and
amusement arcade as well as Sindbad's
play city, the complex is with a hot favourite
with children. |
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Al Khamis Plaza
A bustling shopping centre of trendy fashion
boutiques, exclusive fashion jewellery, designer
apparel shops and branded sunglasses, the
plaza also features music and computer shops.
Al Sarooj Plaza
It is located in the exclusive Shati'a Al-Qurum
(Qurum Beach) area and close to the beach
and the luxurious hotels of the area. The
centre has a Baskin-Robbins, a coffee shop
and a physiotherapy clinic. Outside, there
is a petrol station, car wash facility, Al-Fair
supermarket and a small kids amusement park.
CCC
CCC is a supermarket and a mall combined.
Most fast-food chains operating in Oman have
their outlets in a huge cafeteria. A small
souq is located inside the mall selling traditional
handicrafts and antiques.
Jawharat A'Shati'a
Known as the 'Jewel of the Beach', this complex
has a variety of outlets selling items such
as crystal ware, toys, gifts and handicrafts.
The Oman Heritage Gallery showcases Omani-produced
crafts and gift items. It also has a string
of restaurants and fast-food joints.
Muscat City Centre
It is Oman's first “super-mall”,
a branch of UAE-based City Centre. Covering
44,000 sq m and with 1500 parking spaces,
it features a Carrefour hypermarket (another
first for the Sultanate), a food court, entertainment
and a vast array of shops.
Sabco Center
One of the longest established malls, Sabco
has been in operation for more than 15 years.
It has multiple retail outlets, a traditional
souq and a coffee shop.
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