Doha, Qatar: Major retail chains in Qatar have reassured customers that the supply of food and non-food items across their outlets remains stable and sufficient despite the latest regional developments.
The retailers highlighted their commitment to supporting the local market and ensuring that customers continue to have reliable access to essential products.
They also encouraged shoppers to purchase responsibly, noting that supply chains remain stable and that sufficient stocks are available across stores in Qatar.
LuLu Hypermarket and Safari Hypermarket have confirmed that all their stores continue to maintain adequate stock levels and that its supply chain is operating smoothly. The retailers emphasised that both essential and non-essential products remain readily available across their outlets in the country.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Group Director - Global Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of LuLu Group International, Dr. Mohamed Althaf said: “Lulu Hypermarket would like to reassure its valued customers and stakeholders that the availability of both food and non-food items across all our outlets remains stable and sufficient.
Group Director - Global Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of LuLu Group International, Dr. Mohamed Althaf
He added: “Our supply chain continues to operate smoothly, and we maintain adequate stock levels in all Lulu Hypermarket stores. Despite the ongoing regional developments, we have taken proactive measures to ensure the uninterrupted procurement and distribution of essential and non-essential products. Our logistics and sourcing teams are working closely with local and international supply chains to maintain consistent replenishment across our network.”
Dr. Althaf said that customers can therefore continue to shop with confidence, as Lulu Hypermarket remains fully committed to ensuring the steady availability of quality products across all our stores.
He said that Lulu Hypermarket has implemented a series of proactive measures to ensure the continuous supply of essential and non-essential products and to maintain overall supply chain stability.
“We have strengthened our procurement planning and enhanced coordination across our logistics and sourcing teams to ensure uninterrupted sourcing and distribution. Our teams are working closely with both local and international suppliers to secure steady product inflow and maintain consistent replenishment across our network of stores. In addition, we continuously monitor inventory levels and demand patterns to ensure that adequate stock is available at all times,” said Dr. Althaf.
“Lulu Hypermarket currently operates 24 stores across Qatar. In light of the current situation and in order to ensure greater convenience for customers, 12 of our major hypermarket outlets are presently operating on a 24-hour basis,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that this decision was taken as a proactive measure to facilitate smooth shopping and to ensure uninterrupted access to essential and non-essential products for the public.
“We are closely monitoring customer demand and operational requirements, and we will assess the need to expand round-the-clock services to additional branches if the situation warrants.”
He said that the decision by the local authorities to operate selected outlets on a 24-hour basis was both timely and highly effective in addressing the needs of customers during the current situation.
“It has significantly enhanced customer convenience by allowing shoppers to access essential and non-essential products at any time of the day, thereby reducing crowding during peak hours,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that the support and cooperation of the local authorities have played a very significant role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of retail operations.
“We have been receiving continuous assurances and strong support from the relevant governmental authorities, which has greatly helped us navigate the current uncertain situation with confidence,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that their guidance and coordination have enabled us to maintain stable supply chains, ensure the smooth movement of goods, and continue providing essential services to the public without disruption.
“We remain grateful for their proactive approach and collaborative efforts, which have been instrumental in sustaining normal retail operations across our network.”
“We remain well prepared to manage such situations. In fact, we held a meeting with the relevant local authorities yesterday (Wednesday) , during which we discussed the current challenges and operational requirements in detail. These discussions were very constructive and focused on ensuring the smooth flow of goods and the continued stability of the supply chain,” said Dr. Althaf.
As part of our contingency planning, he said, “We are closely coordinating with our logistics partners and suppliers while also monitoring stock levels and alternative sourcing options to ensure uninterrupted availability of products across our stores.”
Following the recent developments, he said, “We did observe a marginal increase in customer demand in the initial days across our outlets. However, we were well prepared to manage the increased footfall and purchasing patterns.”
He added: “Our teams responded promptly by ensuring faster replenishment of stocks, strengthening coordination with our logistics and sourcing departments, and maintaining adequate inventory levels across all stores.”
"We would like to reassure the public in Qatar that there is absolutely no need for concern regarding the availability of essential goods. Lulu Hypermarket has taken all the necessary steps to ensure the uninterrupted supply of both essential and non-essential products across our stores,” said Dr. Althaf.
Safari Hypermarket has confirmed that the availability of food and non-food items across its outlets in Qatar remains stable despite the ongoing regional developments.
Commenting on the situation, Zainul Abideen, Deputy Chairman & Managing Director of Safari Group of Companies, said: “Safari Hypermarket remains fully committed to serving the community in Qatar. We want to reassure all our valued customers that essential goods are available in sufficient quantities, and there is no need for panic buying.
“Our teams are working around the clock to ensure a stable supply of products across all our outlets. Customer trust and satisfaction remain our top priorities, and we will continue to take every necessary step to maintain availability and convenience for the public.”
Zainul Abideen, Deputy Chairman & Managing Director of Safari Group of Companies
The company stated that there is currently no shortage of essential commodities across its stores. Safari Hypermarket has been actively sourcing from alternative sources to ensure continuous availability for customers.
The company has also implemented proactive measures to maintain supply chain stability. Adequate stock levels of essential goods have been maintained, and supply chain teams are closely monitoring inventory and coordinating with suppliers to ensure uninterrupted distribution of products to all outlets.
Safari Hypermarket currently operates seven hypermarkets across Qatar, located at Safari Mall – Abu Hamour, Salwa Road, Al Khor, Barwa Village – Al Wakra, Industrial Area (Street 16), Birkat Al Awamer, and Ezdan Mall – Al Gharafa. Among these, its four outlets, Safari Mall – Abu Hamour, Al Khor, Ezdan Mall – Al Gharafa, and Barwa Village – Al Wakra are operating on a 24-hour basis to provide greater convenience for customers and to help manage increased shopping demand.
The decision to operate selected outlets around the clock has significantly improved customer convenience by allowing shoppers to visit stores at flexible times and reducing overcrowding during peak hours. Safari Hypermarket stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and may expand round-the-clock services to additional branches if required.
The company also acknowledged the strong support received from local authorities in Qatar. Regular coordination meetings are being held, and Safari Hypermarket continues to follow all guidance and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure smooth retail operations and to prevent panic buying.
The company’s procurement and logistics teams are actively managing the situation by working closely with suppliers and exploring alternative sourcing options to maintain a steady supply of goods.
Safari Hypermarket noted that there has been a surge in customer demand during the first two days, but the company reassures the public that sufficient stock is available in both warehouses and stores. Teams are continuously replenishing shelves and distributing products across outlets to meet demand.
