Spinneys gears up for ‘refined’ Market boom

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Spinneys has embarked on a two-year expansion drive.

Spinneys will open 12 new stores by the end of this year, four of which will be rolled out by the end of next month.

Jannie Holtzhauzen, CEO of Spinneys told Retail News the chain will also open another 10 stores in 2009 as part of its effort to "consolidate its presence in the region through a conscientiously and meticulously planned expansion program, which takes into account Dubai's own economic vision."

"Spinneys currently has 38 stores, including six in Oman. It has earmarked an aggressive expansion plan for the forthcoming two years, and by the end of the year we will have 50 stores."

He revealed a Spinneys Market store will open at International City in China, signalling the beginnings of global growth. He predicted the chain will become "the food anchor at the Dubai Mall, Ajman Mall and Marina Mall."

The company has recently ramped up the profile of its Market concept with the opening of its Souk Al Bahar store in Dubai, a boutique outlet featuring bread "always just out of the oven," butchers and "gourmet dishes at supermarket prices" to target the residents of the Burj Old Town quarter.

The Market stores typically offer 5000ft² of retail space and a "more refined" range within residential zones. Holtzhauzen said its supermarkets and Market stores would continue to emphasise "freshness quality, consistency of product and convenience."

"The size of the supermarkets enables us to present our customers with variety of product range and the maximum number of package sizes. Spinneys Market stores are located within densely packed residential areas, for instance Dubai Festival City."

Holtzhauzen said the company's consideration for its diversity of consumer profiles spurred its launch of its new Fine Fair food range.

"Our target market is the gourmand, higher income, foodie. Deluxe olive oils, vinegars, chicken breasts, condiments and flowers from Tanzania are some of the items."

Promotions including Market Day have revived midweek shoppers, he said, while its "price and theme-oriented" Weekend Offers have positioned the company as the leading fresh food retailer in the UAE.

The company has invested "40-years and considerable resources" in the region, he said, which has built up its loyal customer base, while its "attitude towards freshness, convenience and service sets up apart from our competitors."

In its effort to discover ways of "improving, expanding and developing the shopping experience," Spinneys recently launched recyclable bags, refurbished stores and resigned its contract with Air Miles.

"We believe we have reached a point whereby we can stand confidently alongside the established international retailers in presenting a positive and rewarding shopping experience," he added.

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