Middle Eastern retail major LuLu, during a crowded press conference at a local hotel in Dubai on Sunday, announced the launch of its 100th store in Ras Al Khaimah later this month. Addressing the gathering, Yusuff Ali MA, Emke Lulu Group’s Managing Director said, “It was part of our well thought-out “Achieve 100” growth plan launched in 2009 to reach 100 stores mark within 3 years. We are obviously pleased to announce that our 100th Lulu inside RAK Mall, also constructed by the Group, will be inaugurated by HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on April 26.” He further said, “Even during the global financial meltdown Lulu Group continued with its plan and opened 23 hypermarkets and shopping malls during the last three years in almost all major cities of the GCC and not a single project was shelved or postponed.” He mentioned, “We are going ahead with our major expansion plans in all GCC countries. In Abu Dhabi alone, we will have another six Hypermarkets which will include Al Ain and Western Regions.” The Group’s next move is to launch its “ Webstore”. Though the online retail is still in its early stages in the region, the Group sees great potential in it, especially among the youth segment. Lulu Webstore will initially cater to UAE market before rolling out to other GCC countries. Going with the success of its digital marketing initiatives through social media and e-coupons, the Lulu Webstore is sure to act as a catalyst for the online shopping scene in the region. Group’s co-branded credit and loyalty card launched in association with ADCB, which was voted as the best Credit Card at the Smart Cards Awards Middle East 2011, is another product that has got them sizeable amount of loyal customers since its launch 4 years ago.