Leading UAE-based retailer LuLu Group further strengthened its presence in the western region of Saudi Arabia with the soft opening of its new Express Store in Al Jamea, Jeddah, thereby increasing its total store count to 201 globally. As a first, it is the group’s first store led by an all-women staff, which is a pioneering initiative among all the hypermarket brands in the Kingdom and reaffirms its commitment to economic empowerment of Saudi Women in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan. Located near King Abdul Aziz University, in a retail space of 37,000 square feet, the new express store which is also 20th in Saudi Arabia is home to a wide variety of globally sourced products such as grocery essentials, fresh food, health and beauty, household and much more. “The LuLu brand has always been known for catering to shoppers based not only in city centers, but as well as the outskirt areas and suburbs, where people do not need to drive long distance. We commit to providing world-class shopping and we shall continue meeting the lifestyle needs of our clientele base. Amidst COVID-19 crisis and public movement restrictions, an inaugural function was not held. To support the government’s mandate, LuLu only permits entry to shoppers who have downloaded the Tawakkalna App as a safety precaution. In the midst of the pandemic, LuLu has played a very crucial role and ensured uninterrupted supply of food and non-food products, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, health and safety of both its customers and employees. Enhanced sanitization programs and social distancing norms are being adhered as per industry protocols. “Apart from introducing innovative shopping platforms, we are also proud to announce that this our very first store led by our female team, from the general manager to the cashiers, which signifies our effort to empower more Saudi women in the workforce,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia. “At present, we employ 3,000 Saudi nationals including 800 women in all the hypermarkets across the country in various positions and our aim is to encourage more women in our organization, thereby ensuring Saudi women’s economic participation,” added Shehim. Maha Mohammed Alqarni, general manager of the newly launched store, said: “I am extremely happy to be part of LuLu Group’s first ever store that is fully managed by women. This is such a great honor for me to represent the growing community of Saudi women who are supporting for the progress of the country’s economic activities and aiming to share their skills and be of greater contribution to the public.” —SG