Doha: Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Al Meera), Qatar’s largest retail chain, is on an expansion spree. The company has announced to open a number of new outlets in Qatar and Oman, including eight stores which will be located at Doha Metro’s stations.
The new stores will be of various sizes (hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenient stores) located at different places across the country, including major metro substations and other strategic locations, said a top official of the Doha-based retail giant.
“We are expanding in Qatar as well as in Oman. We have plans to open stores at several metro stations of Qatar Rail. We are starting with eight outlets in Doha Metro’s substations,” Sheikh Thani bin Thamer bin Mohamed Al Thani (pictured), Chairman of Al Meera’s Board of Directors, told The Peninsula.
Sheikh Thani added: “In addition, we are also working to open several outlets in universities and areas which are currently underserved, or the existing facilities are insufficient, for the convenience of our customers.” He said that currently Al Meera operates and maintains some 52 outlets of various sizes across Qatar, and have immediate plans to open new stores in other areas, including one in Shimaal and another one in Al Jameliya area very soon.
Commenting on Al Meera’s operations in Oman, Sheikh Thani said that the company currently operates six outlets in the Sultanate and working on aggressive expansion plans with the opening four more outlets very soon.
He said that out of those four, one of has already begun operations in Al Amrat, a city in Muscat, in northeastern Oman, and another one will be in Salalah, capital city of southern Oman’s Dhofar province, which is in the pipeline.
The company is also conducting market studies to understand the needs and requirements of customers to improve their satisfaction and shopping experience. He also noted that Al Meera has always been the first to reach in new areas where there is a sizable growth in the population outside Doha and its neighborhood.
Asked about the impact of the blockade on its operations, Sheikh Thani said: “We are in a much better position today compared to the situation before the blockade. For instance, now we have more options and varieties of goods at outlets which are not only of better quality but are available at more competitive prices in adequate quantities.”
He also stressed that local production and manufacturing of goods, including agro products, is growing fast as a result of concerted efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and food security within the country. He cited the example of dairy and poultry products in which Qatar has become almost self-sufficiency.
“In terms of farm products, Al Meera is sourcing up to 70 percent from local producers. They are doing really well. We are always at the forefront in supporting local businesses, including SMEs and home-based micro entreprises,” noted the chairman of Al Meera group.
He also added that Qatar has been resilient throughout the blockade and emerged stronger despite the unjust siege. The macroeconomic fundamentals and other indicators, including reports by international agencies, prove that Qatar is more robust and diversified economy.
