Continuing its quest to open stores within walking distance of most Qatar residents, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company has announced plans to open nine new outlets across the country in 2015.
Speaking to the Peninsula, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Qahtani, Deputy CEO, said the locations would be in Al Wakrah, Al Thumama, Al Wajbah, Muaither, Al Aziziya, Zakhira, Murraikh, Jeryan Nejaima and Gulf Mall.
The list was first revealed by Al Meera in September, with original plans to open all the outlets by the end of this year.
Al Qahtani did not explain the reason for the delay, but added that more than a dozen shopping centers are also in the works, including in Umm Salal, Bu Sidra, Al Khor and Ain Khaled.
In 2012, when Al Qahtani first outlined the company’s plans to expand, he said that many of Al Meera’s shopping malls would be based on a convenience model, and include not only groceries but also dry cleaners, pharmacies and other services.
He also said at the time that the company would be stocking its shelves with more regional and international imports “to the delight of customers.”
Have you been to an Al Meera outlet lately? Thoughts?
Deputy CEO.. what happened to the CEO? was it al meera where the CEO and a dozen of his leb leb pals went to jail for embezzlement charges… ? or am I confusing my supermarkets…
May be because the CEO is an expat 🙂
http://almeera.com/about-us/leadership/executive-management
You might be thinking of Spinneys, which is Lebanese based. The CEO was investigated after it was alleged that staff were fired for trying to join a trade union (something that would never be a problem in Qatar since joining trade unions here is illegal).
Mr Wright remains in the CEO position according to the Spinneys website.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/ceo-of-lebanon-s-spinneys-faces-charges-over-workers-rights-504146.html#.VKErpsCA
“Continuing its quest to open stores within walking distance of most Qatar residents”… don’t make me laugh. The carparks of most shops are blocked by Land Cruisers and GMC wagons jostling to get as close to the front door as possible, so that their precious cargo can be spared the indignity of having to *gasp* walk from the car park into the shop. Even carparks aren’t considered within ‘walking distance’ to a lot of people in this country!
Perhaps Al Meera should consider building a supermarket that is simply one really long aisle – big enough for your Land Cruiser to be driven right down the middle so you don’t even have to get out.
Great – just what the city needs – more f^&*%ng malls
I think it’s a positive start, From my personal experience Al Meera offers goods at reasonable price than many of those hype-hiked supermarkets around.Sarcastic comments can be understood, however the fact remains valid.
Coming soon! It is reported that a new mall will be opening inside of the current City Center mall.