SouqExtra! chain of neighbourhood super-centres to open leasing for 7 outlets at Retail City 2008
Operators of services ranging from laundries to pharmacies, food outlets to gyms invited to book space in the community-centric super-centres
SouqExtra!, the new concept chain of neighbourbood super-centres, will commence leasing for seven UAE outlets at its stand at Retail City 2008, which is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from June 1 to 3, 2008.
“We are throwing open leasing and rental of units to service operators, such as laundries, pharmacies, money exchanges, kids play area, day care centers, walk-in clinics, gyms, banks, snacks, kiosks, etc., with complete layout plans of the first seven outlets,” said Saleh Lootah, Founding and Managing Director of SouqExtra. “Ever since we announced SouqExtra we have been flooded with inquiries from service operators. We believe Retail City is the right platform to begin the leasing of units at SouqExtra.”
The first SouqExtra outlet is due to be opened at Ewan Residences in September 2008, followed by more outlets in Al Barsha in November 2008 and Al Muhaisnah and Al Quoz before the end of the year. Early next year, new branches will be opened in other emirates, including Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
SouqExtra! is the new brand in the world of modern lifestyle and innovative retail concepts, the first of its kind in the region. It focuses on providing access to amenities and services that connect customer’s professional and family life to the larger community, giving life more meaning and extra value.
“We are bringing in a refreshingly different concept in day to day shopping through a chain that will be more of a community centre, fulfilling community’s need for social interaction. At the same time, our focus will be on providing fresh food items and meat products, either from our own brands or from reputed suppliers,” added Lootah.
Several reputed investors have thrown their weight behind Souq Extra, including the Lootah Group, Emirates Post Group, National Bonds Corporation, Bonyan Holding, Abbas Group and a group of high net worth individuals.
SouqExtra is a “retail lifestyle center” that connects individuals together and to the community. It is an innovative concept that responds to the daily needs of families in a single retail experience. This concept will provide food, entertainment, a place to relax, a meeting place, health and wellness, and a number of other products and services that will bring comfort, peace of mind, convenience and an overall sense of wellbeing to visitors.
“We are now looking for partners who share our passion for creating a totally different ambience to the community. We are carefully selecting our partners, so that their deliverables match our objectives,” said Lootah.
The SouqExtra concept has attracted wide attention among master developers and builders. Dubai World Central is the latest developer to show interest in the SouqExtra model. DWC and SouqExtra have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of opening outlets in the Residential City.
Retail City is a three-day exhibition that brings together international retail property professionals to develop new joint ventures, exchange views, identify new investment opportunities and encourage retailers and franchises to set up shop in the Middle East.
