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Waitrose, one of the UK's upmarket food retailers, will shortly be unveiled in Bahrain after entering into a licensing agreement with Fine Fare Food Market LLC (FFFM) to open a store at The Lagoon in Amwaj Islands.
It will be the third store outside of England, Scotland and Wales with two already operating successfully in the United Arab Emirates - Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.
The store, on an area of 2,060sq/m, will offer an assortment of Waitrose-branded products as well as locally-sourced goods. The product range includes fresh and frozen foods, delicatessen, cheese, fresh fish, meat, patisserie and hot food.
Considering local tastes and traditions, Waitrose at The Lagoon will only sell certified Halal food in the main store arena.
A fully-functional scratch bakery; interactive butchery and fishmongers and a market-style fresh fruit and vegetable area will underscore the company's commitment to freshness. The store will also carry a selected range of parent company John Lewis non-food 'homeware' products.
Patrick Lawrence, property manager, FFFM, said: "The Lagoon at Amwaj Islands is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and innovative retail developments in the region and we are delighted to be represented there.
"The Waitrose store has been designed to embrace the ambience of Waitrose while catering for the specific needs of the local communities. The Lagoon is set to become the ultimate lifestyle destination for the resident and visitor alike with Waitrose as the ultimate food destination."
Fahad Rafeah, general manager of the Lagoon Bahrain, added: "We are delighted to have Waitrose here. Bahrain residents generally and Amwaj residents specifically will have a gourmet store at their convenience catering to their needs. I'm confident that once it is open, the Lagoon Bahrain will be one of Bahrain's popular lifestyle destinations. We believe with Waitrose coming to Bahrain and opening doors here is proof of Bahrain's business friendly environment."
The store is likely to open in three months time.
