LuLu opens 98th outlet

Thousands of people filled the aisles and corridors of the fourth branch of the popular LuLu Hypermarket in Hidd as soon as it opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

The 500,000sq/ft complex which includes the 300,000sq/ft hypermarket, car park and other facilities was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

LuLu Group’s managing director, Yusuffali MA, described the opening of the latest shopping complex as a symbol of the company’s ‘confidence in the kingdom’s bright future’ and its commitment to the nation’s Vision 2030 economic development blueprint.

“Bahrain is an important market in our overall plans and has always been a promising destination for our investments,” he said. “We believe that LuLu Hypermarket offers the complete shopping experience and we are confident that LuLu Hypermarket in Hidd will continue the tradition of offering the best in quality, range, service and price.”

The new store is the 98th outlet of the LuLu Hypermarket chain in the region and will serve the residents of Muharraq, Hidd and Amwaj areas.

Customers were quick to show their delight at the weekend. Mubarak Ali, who works with the Manama Municipality, was thrilled at having such a big shopping complex so close to home.

Mr Ali, 52, said: “This is fantastic – like a dream come true. We have never had anything so big in our area before.

“The store has everything we need and with much cheaper prices when compared to products we get elsewhere in Hidd. It will also save us a trip to the Seef area.”

US Navy employee Jim Warren, 32, visited the hypermarket with his wife, Jennifer, 23, and two-year old daughter, Keira. The Hidd resident explained: “This store is great for this locality. We have been living here for the past 15 months and have had to always drive up to Manama for our grocery shopping.”

Friends Abdul Nawas and Abdul Lateef drove to the store’s opening from neighbouring Muharraq.

Mr Nawas, 30, a boarding officer, said: “The store is very close to our home, only five minutes away. This will be very convenient for us now. The store also has ample parking, which is a blessing.”

Amwaj resident Shannon Helvey and her daughter Hayley Kunde also dropped in to check out the new store close to home.

Shannon, 37, a teacher, said: “It was crazy, there were so many people! The store has everything we need, all under one roof. This is definitely a place we would come back to and avoid the trip into town!”

Canny shoppers also called in. Komal and Gopichand Talreja, who live in Hoora in central Manama, decided to stop by and check out the opening day offers. Mr Talreja, 53, an Alba employee said: “The store is very spacious and there is so much variety. Although we usually go into Manama for our grocery shopping, this trip is shorter for us via the Hidd highway. We decided to stop by to check out the new store and have been able to grab some great bargains!”

The three-level hypermarket features an extensive fashion, electronics, home décor and grocery section.

The bakery section has its own specialist team and ovens and offers freshly-baked goodies from specialty breads and cakes to doughnuts, muffins, savoury, puffs and pastries.

LuLu’s popular ‘Hot Food section’ will stock a wide range of ready-to-eat foods including pizzas and pastas, fried snacks and sandwiches, biryani, curries, kebabs and grills.

Aside from the hypermarket, the four-level outlet will also soon boast a range of specialty store brands such as A La Mode, Zohoor Alreef, Shades International Optics, Rasasi Perfumes, Classic Watches, Hour Choice, Mikyajay, I Care Mobiles, Canon, Zain Telecom and OSN Network.

The ground floor will soon feature a trendy multi-cuisine food court including Rice Bowl, Little Caesars, Jasmis , Dajajio Chicken, Bellanapoli Pizzeria, Ms Vanellis, Sukiyaki, Chicking, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Baskin’ Robbins and Yogberry Frozen Yogurt as well as dine-in restaurants Nando’s and Lebanese Dining.

A recreational play area, Fox Amusement Centre, will offer a safe spot for children to enjoy themselves while their parents shop.