LuLu Group International plans to open four more stores in Bahrain, adding to the 13 currently operating, as the retail giant affirmed its strong commitment to expansion and investment in the kingdom.
The move, confirmed by chairman Yusuffali M A, underpins the group’s confidence in the GCC retail sector, which is projected to reach $390 billion by 2028. Speaking at the Gateway Gulf 2025 Forum, he stressed the necessity of physical growth alongside digital transformation.
Mr Yusuffali confirmed that despite the rise of e-commerce, LuLu Group is aggressively increasing its physical footprint, insisting that bricks-and-mortar retail is growing, not shrinking, driven by the young population and expanding townships.
The group is simultaneously investing heavily in digital solutions, implementing digitisation, AI, and robotics to avoid being “left behind”. This technology is vital for managing the omni-channel experience and catering to consumer demands for specialised food items.
Mr Yusuffali stressed that food security remains a paramount concern for the GCC. He highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between farmers, processors, and retailers to ensure supply.
LuLu Group manages this through a vast global sourcing network, procuring from 16 countries to ensure a continuous 365-day supply of goods, thereby supporting both the region’s food security and the demand for sustainable supply chain practices.
On the sidelines of the forum, the LuLu Group chairman met Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa where they discussed the group’s plans for the kingdom.
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