First Géant Express convenience store to open at ADNOC Distribution service station

New Géant Express store the first of ten to open at ADNOC Distribution service stations this year. Opening forms part of ADNOC Distribution’s broader efforts to improve convenience store experience.

ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, has announced the opening of the first of ten Géant Express branded stores at service stations in the UAE. The other nine stores will open at existing ADNOC Distribution sites during the second and third quarters of this year. From this week, customers at the Al Mushrif store in Abu Dhabi will enjoy an improved experience, with an entirely new design and product mix including a renewed focus on fresh food. In preparation for the opening, the existing site underwent significant changes and was refitted with the Géant Express brand and new convenience store layout. ADNOC Distribution’s Acting CEO, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, commented: “ADNOC Distribution is determined to offer our convenience store customers more choice, service and convenience as we transform into a more customer-centric company. The opening of the first of ten Géant Express convenience stores at our service stations is a part of this, as are our broader convenience store growth plans which are proving very successful. As 2018 progresses, I’m confident our customers will embrace the improvements to the design, layout and product mix of our convenience stores, along with our new approach to customer service.” The new Géant Express store at Al Mushrif includes an enhanced groceries section and new ‘food to go’ and ‘food for now’ assortments, with a wide selection of freshly made sandwiches. The bakery section has also been expanded to include healthy alternatives such as dates and fruits, as well as Arabic sweets. In addition, there is an expanded accessories range, with new baby goods and travel goods, such as beach towels and sunglasses. The opening follows an agreement in March this year between the company and Urban Foods, which operates the Géant Express brand, among others, in the UAE. Urban Foods’ Senior Vice President of Operations, Mark Lack, commented: “The opening of the first Géant Express branded store at an ADNOC Distribution service station is a milestone event in our partnership. As consumers become more time-stressed, they are increasingly looking for more ‘food to go’ and ‘food for now’ options, and that’s exactly what this Géant Express store will offer.” Under the agreement between the companies, which followed a competitive process, Urban Foods will oversee category management, supply chain and logistics while the rebranded convenience stores will remain owned and operated by ADNOC Distribution. The 10 sites that are being refitted with the Géant Express brand include seven in Abu Dhabi, two in Sharjah and one in Ajman.