Hypermarkets brace for Eid rush

Throngs of customers flocked to major hypermarkets yesterday for last minute shopping on the eve of celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, it is learnt.
Traffic congestion was also felt along main thoroughfares leading to parking lots of hypermarkets such as LuLu along D-Ring Road, Safari Mall, Family Food Centre, and Al Meera in Al Mansoura area.
Many expatriates also flocked to exchange houses to send remittances back home, while others formed long queues in front of ATMs.
Krishna Kumar R, general manager of LuLu Hypermarket along D-Ring Road, told Gulf Times yesterday that the retail giant was “well prepared” for the Eid rush.
“We have a very good rush of customers on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Even days prior to Eid, we are full-fledged and ready to serve our customers. All items are available, particularly in the supermarket and department store.
“There is ample supply of sought-after products like garments, electronics, and foodstuff. Again, we are 100% full-fledged to accommodate the influx of customers for this occasion,” he explained.
Asked about expected growth in sales, Kumar said: “We have recorded tremendous growth in sales compared to last year’s Ramadan season. This was mainly because we have aspired to fulfil our pledge of providing the highest level of customer service.”
He added: “Ramadan was very good for us. All items were available and our customers were very happy. Our prices are very competitive and all our promotional campaigns were well-received by shoppers.
“In terms of service, I believe we are number one. LuLu has continued to provide quality products and best prices, as well as excellent customer service in all means. If there is something that we provide best for our customers, it is our service.
During Eid, many stores record growth in sales of various apparel, electronic products, luggage, and toys, among others as many vacation-bound expatriates take advantage of the wide range of discounts and promotional campaigns of the season.
Some suppliers also use the occasion to introduce new brands at promotional prices for cellphones, tablets and other electronic gadgets, appliances like AC units, refrigerators, and washing machines, as well as laptops.
In another popular hypermarket, a supplier of a well-known television brand has launched a promotional discount for its latest range of flat screen smart TVs. The offer starts at QR999 for a 48-inch smart TV. The merchandiser for the television brand said the same promotion applies to the 50-inch and 55-inch smart TV offered at QR1,299 and QR1,499, respectively.
“Eid is an occasion for gift giving, which is why many suppliers take the opportunity to present the latest models of their brand at promotional prices or launch discounted offers for older stocks,” he said.