Japanese motor accessories giant opens in Times Square Center, Dubai

A new retailing concept for the Middle East opened its doors at the new Times Square Center Mall, off Sheikh Zayed Rd in Dubai. Sharaf Group opened the region's first Yellow Hat store, one of the world's largest chains of auto accessory superstore and service centres, with over 500 stores throughout Asia.

And Sharaf Group, as the master franchisee, plans to roll out a minimum of twelve stores throughout the UAE within three years.

Founded in Japan in 1961, Yellow Hat boasts a turnover in excess of $ 1.1 billion through offering a huge range of quality car products at affordable prices in a superstore format. 

Stocking thousands of different products from hundreds of manufacturers around the world, the Yellow Hat store at Times Square Center, will offer everything including car audio, alloy wheels and tyres, navigation systems, car mats, seat covers, air fresheners, cleaning products and suspension technology. As a one-stop-shop for all auto accessory needs, Yellow Hat also offers installation and service facility for all the products on sale.

Sharaf Group's vice chairman, Sharafuddin Sharaf, said: "This is an exciting time for us as the Dubai opening heralds the beginning of a new era in auto accessory retailing for the Middle East. Most other parts of the developed world offer this format of auto superstore and we are convinced Yellow Hat will prove incredibly popular with the region's car-savvy consumers.

"Our high standard showrooms display exciting products designed to promote customer interaction. Browsers can discover the ten metre wall of sound in the audio department and the demo cars on display, showing exactly what your car could look like after giving it the 'Yellow Hat treatment." 

With a policy of only dealing with the highest quality suppliers from around the world, Yellow Hat also stocks an exclusive range of products normally only sold in Japan, offering the highest quality specifications in the world. Many of the favourite local and international brands will also be available alongside other exclusive products from these brands that will be available only from UAE Yellow Hat stores.

Yousuf Sharaf, Sharaf Group's managing director, added: "Pricing is very important to Yellow Hat and we ensure prices are constantly checked to maintain our competitiveness. Our showrooms always offer a range of prices for each product sold, with our products costing anything from Dh 2 up to Dh 20,000. Therefore, whatever car type or particular need you have Yellow Hat should offer a competitively priced option.

"Customers will be offered the highest quality service from our knowledgeable staff who have undergone continuous and vigorous product and technical training courses in preparation for today's grand opening, and this will be maintained all year round."

Yellow Hat will also offer superior warranties for many products, with selected products offering one-for-one replacement on faulty products from 30 days after purchase up to 24 months and repair warranties on products of up to five years. Also, if Yellow Hat installs any product purchased from its showroom an extra one year of warranty will be added free of charge.