UAE: SouqExtra! Ewan Center Embraces New Retail Trend

Community Supercenter sees 48% rise in daily footfall in year 2011

SouqExtra! Ewan Center Embraces New Retail Trend

Dubai, UAE – 25 January 2012: SouqExtra!, the national chain of community supercenters, has experienced a 48 percent increase in daily footfall corresponding to the positive reception of its concept by the local retail community and the confident outlook for the UAE retail sector.

SouqExtra! officials announced this encouraging trend during a cake cutting ceremony held with retail partners and community members to mark  the second anniversary of its flagship outlet at Ewan Residences in Dubai Investment Park.

The Anniversary celebration is the first major event on SouqExtra!’s 2012 Activity Calendar. The entertainment needs of children during this event have also been given a special care with bouncing castle, clowns, magic show and a host of other fun filled activities that will continue for 3 days.

Speaking on the occasion, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Managing Director of SouqExtra! said “These new figures are very astounding, and are driven by the increased consumer confidence in the UAE and the rising demand for modern retailing concepts, such as SouqExtra!”.

This is backed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) who stated that consumer confidence in Dubai rose during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the previous quarter.  The confidence index increased from 15 points to 125, boosted by a 22 per cent in survey respondents’ optimism of an economic recovery over the next 12 months.

“Our operational model, that revolves around the needs and unique demographics of the residential communities in which we are based, has proved very successful and has been praised by retail partners and consumers alike,” said Justin Wilshaw, the Chief Executive Officer of SouqExtra!.

Attending to the local community demand at SouqExtra! Ewan Residences, new retail space has been allocated for more services including a coffee shop, a driving institute and a sunglass offer according to  Mr Wilshaw.

Building on the lifestyle supercenter’s community-centric character the first year anniversary celebrations at SouqExtra! Ewan Residences saw a 100% increase in daily footfall.

SouqExtra! is a pioneering lifestyle supercenter model, representing an innovative retail concept shaped by extensive research into outlet positioning as well as the quality and variety of services offered. It offers an innovative program that encourages local entrepreneurs to enter the exciting retail scene, and focuses on providing access to amenities and services that connect consumers’ professional and family life to the larger community, adding something Extra! to life.

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About SouqExra!

SouqExtra! is the name of neighbourhood community-focused centers, with integrated primary services such as high-end grocery, kids’ play area, fast food outlets, coffee shops, full-fledged gymnasium, salon, photo shop and community hall, all designed to help the community meet their daily needs. SouqExtra’s tagline “My Favourite Place” sums up the concept’s unique sales proposition. The gyms, for instance, will offer the full range of fitness equipment, complete with a trainer. The community hall will be rented out to residents for hosting parties, birthdays, events, celebrations, family gatherings and other community activities. The Phase 1 of SouqExtra will add retail space of 500,000 sq. ft. in UAE. Each SouqExtra centre will boast a uniform design with a friendly ambience and ample parking spaces, to serve as a one-stop shop for day to day needs of the community.