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SHOPPERS are flocking to the new Ramli Mall in A'ali to catch the opening offers available at LuLu Hypermarket's third store in the kingdom.
The 'soft opening' of the premises was conducted in the presence of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, managing director of LuLu Hypermarket Group Yusuffali M.A., as well as other dignitaries, ministers, businessmen and guests last Wednesday.
With over 800,000 sq/ft of premium retail space, Ramli Mall, part of the LuLu Group's growing chain of luxury malls across the region, is a family shopping destination featuring a range of top brands as well as the 200,000 sq/ft LuLu hypermarket
Loyal LuLu customers keen to check out the latest branch, joined local families delighted to have a shopping facility close to their homes.
Abu Salaam, 37, a cook at the kitchen of a member of the royal family, was amongst the first in-line at the check-out tills. He said: "We live close to the LuLu in Riffa and usually shop for groceries there. We came to the new mall to check it out and were stunned by the amount of traffic and excitement generated by its opening."
The mall, part of LuLu's BD200 million investment into Bahrain, taps into an area which the retail gaint believes has not been fully explored. It is conveniently located in the tourist corridor off the King Fahad Causeway and also a busy intersection of residential and school-university zones in Bahrain.
A'ali resident Erlin Diaz, 37, was all smiles. She said: "The Ramli Mall is very convenient for me as it is very close to home."
Fellow A'ali resident Yaser Al Ali, 43, agreed: "I work in a refinery in Riffa so when the LuLu store opened there it was easy to call in after work. But now with this new mall, shopping has become even more convenient ... it's 50 metres from my home!"
Government employee Haider Majid, 47, from Budaiya, was on the lookout for bargains. He said: "I just came to see the new place - it is very good! I was particularly interested in the offers on cooking oil, eggs and vegetables."
Pharmacist Loganathan Eswaran and his family travelled all the way from Ras Ruman to visit the new mall. He said: "We really enjoy shopping in LuLu. The new shop is really nice and it was well worth the drive from Manama to see what was on offer."
Hamad Town residents Dunya Abdulla and her family were also elated. The 25-year-old student said: "In the old days we had to drive into town to do our main shopping. The new mall is much more convenient and we have a choice of Riffa or A'ali."
The mall can clearly cater for the huge interest it has generated. It boasts a dedicated car park that can accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles.
As well as the hypermarket, shoppers are being drawn by a wide range of outlets already open for business, including Burgundy, Bottega Verde, Junaid Perfumes, Asgharali Perfumes, Rasasi Perfumes, Clear Vision Optics, Shades International, Nautica, VINCCI, AXA Insurance, Zain Bahrain, Caribou Coffee and Marble Slab Creamery.
Other top names which will soon open at the mall include Claire's, Accessorize, Mothercare, REDTAG Fashion, Hush Puppies, Daiso Japan, Sharaf DG and Hour Choice.
The Ramli Mall Gourmet Food Court nestling under one of the largest atriums in Bahrain will be home to five fine-dining restaurants alongside 16 food outlets and seats for 1,400 hungry shoppers.
Mr Yusuffali said: "Over 70 major brands have already joined us at Ramli Mall and we are delighted with the enthusiasm of shoppers.
"Ramli Mall will not only add to the economic development of the retail sector in the kingdom but open up a new geographic area."
The mall will also feature an amusement arcade, a soft play area, video games as well as children's entertainment haven, Magic Kingdom.
The group is also set to open its fourth hypermarket in Hidd later this year.
