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Discuss this article (0 Comments)Inside Aswaaq
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Sunday, 14 December 2008
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The electronic price labels spread across all of the shelving at the store, so "whenever we change a price, it changes instantly. We have concentrated on achieving the highest standards in category management, necessary with the huge number of products on offer."
Poiret says that it is "the need and not that the brand that is the key to entering a category, reflecting our intention to answer to different tastes".
Aswaaq has secured an exclusive range of 80 Pâturages products from France's Intermarché, from yoghurt to cheese and caramel products.
We offer refunds on any products within seven days of purchase and we trust customers so there is no need for them to show their receipts.
As part of its fairness model, the supermarket also plans to heavily promote its private label range, Aswaaq, which is currently available for commodities including tomato paste, mayonnaise, sugar, tissues and mineral water.
"Our own brand products cover quality, basic items, selling at a cheaper price to the market," he says.
The efforts for special offer gondols stand out as they extend across the categories.
"We will apply the best international practices in order to reduce operating expenses and keep focus on the fairness of the retail selling prices."
"We are not a hypermarket, but since the intention was for people to not need to travel to do their shopping, we have a big assortment in each section, including household appliances, toys which are doing extremely well, DVDs, tools, gardening products and stationery."
Non-food currently represents between 10-12% of sales, social responsibility is a major priority for the chain and alongside screens at the POS showing customers their list of purchased items, the store offers oxo-biodegradable plastic bags.
To encourage repeat custom, the retailer has invested in its loyalty card scheme. "We had 2000 Wafa cardholders three weeks after opening this store, with the demand for the flexible card to collect points, receive discounts and load with cash surpassing our expectations," he says.
The home delivery service has also brought some surprises, Poiret says, as "we people would call for water or bread, but they are calling for big deliveries".
As "99.9% of clients are honest and can change their minds" the store offers them the chance to bring any items back, including fresh produce, if they are dissatisfied. We refund any products within seven days of purchase and we trust customers so there is no need for them to show their receipts," he adds.
How Aswaaq's market fared
With its concept inspired by the feel and ambience of the open street market, aswaaq consists of small, medium and large-sized community retail outlets located at the heart of highly populated residential areas, featuring Aswaaq supermarkets surrounded by retail shops and facilities. There will also be standalone, leased supermarkets.
After the successful launch of the first community centre in Nad Al Hamar, the next store at 2300m2 will open in Al Mizhar and next year openings are scheduled for Sofouh, Al Warqa'a and Umm Suqeim.
The retailer is committed to providing UAE nationals with a broad range of business opportunities, including opportunities for them to become major importers and suppliers to the supermarkets and community centres.
At the Nad Al Hamar centre, 30% of the retail area has been leased to members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment of Young Business Leaders (SME), whilst the store manager also hails from the Nad Al Hamar community.
Najla Al Khaja, senior manager, Community Centre Leasing and Operation said that the number of stores leased SME members and the people of Nad AlHamar reached 60%, surpassing the allocated percentage that was 20%. This shows young entrepreneurs' awareness of their need to develop their businesses in aswaaq". Al Khaja stressed that aswaaq offered SME members 20% discount on the rental values.
Aisha Ahli, a resident of Nad Al Hamar, said that "the opening of this shopping centre in a nearby location saves our time and provides all our needs. This is something we have been dreaming of for a long time." She said the most impressive aspect at the centre was the presence of male and female Emirati employees working across the sections.
Mohsen Hasan Salem Al Shamsi, another resident of Nad Al Hamar, said that "aswaaq has protected the local population from the greed and manipulation of the small supermarkets operating in the area. These supermarkets sell expired and bad food stuff as they usually switch off the fridges and freezers for long periods in order to save power".
With its concept inspired by the feel and ambience of the open street market, aswaaq consists of small, medium and large-sized community retail outlets located at the heart of highly populated residential areas, featuring Aswaaq supermarkets surrounded by retail shops and facilities. There will also be standalone, leased supermarkets.
After the successful launch of the first community centre in Nad Al Hamar, the next store at 2300m2 will open in Al Mizhar and next year openings are scheduled for Sofouh, Al Warqa'a and Umm Suqeim.
The retailer is committed to providing UAE nationals with a broad range of business opportunities, including opportunities for them to become major importers and suppliers to the supermarkets and community centres.
At the Nad Al Hamar centre, 30% of the retail area has been leased to members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment of Young Business Leaders (SME), whilst the store manager also hails from the Nad Al Hamar community.
Najla Al Khaja, senior manager, Community Centre Leasing and Operation said that the number of stores leased SME members and the people of Nad AlHamar reached 60%, surpassing the allocated percentage that was 20%. This shows young entrepreneurs' awareness of their need to develop their businesses in aswaaq". Al Khaja stressed that aswaaq offered SME members 20% discount on the rental values.
Aisha Ahli, a resident of Nad Al Hamar, said that "the opening of this shopping centre in a nearby location saves our time and provides all our needs. This is something we have been dreaming of for a long time." She said the most impressive aspect at the centre was the presence of male and female Emirati employees working across the sections.
Mohsen Hasan Salem Al Shamsi, another resident of Nad Al Hamar, said that "aswaaq has protected the local population from the greed and manipulation of the small supermarkets operating in the area. These supermarkets sell expired and bad food stuff as they usually switch off the fridges and freezers for long periods in order to save power".
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