UAE grocers stack up for busy Eid weekend

Dubai - The grocery sector is seeing an upward growth trend.

UAE residents are all geared up to celebrate Eid Al Adha and grocers are busy keeping up with the spiralling demand from consumers. And despite the option of shopping online available, customers still prefer going to a nearby store and do their shopping for the festive season ahead.

Dr Dhananjay (Jay) Datar, chairman & managing director of Al Adil Trading, said: "UAE has once again proved to the world that nothing can stop this wonderful nation in its growth process. The right guidelines ensured that the pandemic was kept under total control. When the situation became normal, a wide range of measures were implemented to provide the necessary growth stimulus. This has led to a major rebound in business."

The grocery sector is seeing an upward growth trend, Datar, said: "We notice an increase in home cooking. This has resulted in more demand for almost all grocery items. The work from home culture has led to both the spouses getting involved in cooking and this has become a passion for many individuals. Moreover, taking the guidelines into consideration, people are not coming together. Hence home cooking is preferred. All these factors are helping the grocery sector to register good growth."

Residents buy meat, dryfruits, vegetables and fruits as the festive season sets the tone. "We are seeing demand for grocery items moving up as residents continue shopping for the festive season, said Kamal Vachani, group director at Al Maya Group.

"The UAE market is strong and resilient and I have witnessed that despite the global uncertainity it was evident that the businesses were back in action on digital platform in the UAE even during the Covid-19 outbreak. The businesses are bouncing back and the UAE government has extended its helping hand to all the key sectors to overcome any challenges faced by entreprenuers. The nation's approach has been very positive and We at Al Maya and as the residents are equally positive about the UAE."

As the country gets ready for Eid celebrations, Lulu hypermarket is also all geared up with well-stocked stores and value promotions on cooking essentials and gifting selection that are commonly consumed during the much-awaited long weekend of feasting. Apart from grocery products, LuLu launched its "Half Pay Back" offer on garments and lifestyle products, alongside its biggest promotion on smartphones and accessories with 'Let's Connect'.

V. Nandakumar, director of marketing and communications of LuLu Group, said: "We have seen a rising demand on shopping for grocery products and gadget upgrades, especially during the festive season and since the lockdown restrictions have eased. This is why we have promoted major price discounts on almost all our product categories available from supermarket to department store. Eid offers are available across all LuLu stores and online via www.luluhypermarket.com till August 4, 2020."

- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com

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