Back-to-school shopping sees uptick in customers

Families in search of school supplies and accessories for their children find the ease of shopping at stores that provide not only affordable prices for a variety of items but also convenience and ample parking facilities.
In a busy back-to-school shopping season, LuLu Group has taken its customer experience a step further by introducing Al Rawnaq, a premium shopping area on LuLu Ain Khaled branch’s first floor, creating a shopping haven that appeals to both practicality and accessibility.
Speaking to Gulf Times, LuLu Ain Khaled general manager Malik Mohamed said one of the most frustrating aspects of shopping, particularly during peak hours, is the search for parking.
He said the branch has eliminated this headache by offering a generous parking space, allowing parents and shoppers to save precious time and avoid the hassle of waiting for parking spots to become available.
Since Al Rawnaq's grand opening on August 16 this year, Mohamed said their footfall has surged dramatically due to the seamless shopping experience that it introduced.
He pointed out that this uptick in customers is not solely due to the low prices and attractive promotions that the branch offers, but also of the ease of movement within the expansive shopping area.
Al Rawnaq's first-floor location ensures that shoppers can navigate through the store with convenience, effortlessly accessing the items they need, according to Mohamed.
Omar, a Doha resident and a satisfied customer, lauded LuLu Ain Khaled branch’s organised layout, comprehensive range of school and office supplies, and numerous parking spaces, setting it apart from other similar outlets.
Together with his wife and two children, Omar said he was able to roam around the store easily, swiftly getting the items from their back-to-school checklist.
“It’s my first time to visit this place, it’s very big, it has too much space, well lit, and properly organised. I’m buying some books, notebooks, pens, markers, and pencils for my two kids,” he said.
Mohamed, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the trend of increased footfall and customer satisfaction will continue beyond the school’s opening, citing the comfort and functionality, as well as the appeal, of the store.
He said he hopes to see an increase in the number of shoppers visiting the branch starting from Sunday due to anticipation of numerous students seeking the necessary supplies required by their schools.
It is learnt that many families are also looking for enhanced customer experience, a reason for many outlets to increase staffing capacity and ensure that shoppers are assisted promptly and efficiently.
Apart from school and office supplies and other accessories, additional services for motorists such as affordable car wash services have been appealing to many customers, Mohamed said.
He added that these value-added services contribute to the branch's appeal, positioning it as a one-stop destination for both shopping and convenience.