A short insight into the supermarket world of the KSA and what places are best to shop at. And if you’re in some other part of the world and considering a visit, here are the best reason why you should visit KSA this year.
Whether you’re stepping out to buy a few essentials or shopping for the whole family, grocery shopping is one of the most important trips of the entire week.
It is not just about buying stuff; grocery shopping is an exclusive experience that brings families together, one of the many things you can do with your kids. And what better way to go out shopping than giant supermarkets that have snack bars too? Saudi Arabia is no exception.
The buildings are gorgeous, the supermarkets are vast, and the variety is to die for. From fresh veggies to everyday essentials, edibles, and pet food, there is little that escapes the world of Supermarts.
This article has compiled info on some of the most famous supermarket chains in Saudi Arabia. So read on!
List of Top 7 Supermarket Chains in KSA
1. Lulu Hypermarket
Lulu is one of a kind, with a calm ambiance and modern aura, with novel varieties. It integrates all possible consumer needs under one roof.
Lulu hypermarkets are known for several splendid things. There are roomy parking spaces, fun play areas for children, extensive counters with easy access, and a famed food court.
But there is much more to Lulu than meets the eye. Lulu also has money exchange kiosks and bank counters in its supermarkets, making the shopping experience more straightforward. They have branches all over the kingdom, but their Batha, Riyadh branch is one of the more popular ones.
Lulu offers a tremendous range of products in its stores. From vegetables to electronics, school supplies, fresh items, and lifestyle products, there is little that escapes this plethora.
You can shop for the new trendiest clothes while getting weekend groceries. And wrap up the whole trip with a hearty dinner at the fabulous food court.
They offer various discounts, especially during the month of Ramadan. You can regularly check Lulu Hypermarkets deals in Saudi Arabia.
There is just one thing better than shopping in person – online shopping. And Lulu has you covered on that front too.
Are you not feeling like walking down the block to pick up groceries? Just order online on their website and have it delivered to you within hours. It is all convenient and trouble-free.
Lulu forms a canopy over many national and eminent international brands.
It genuinely lives up to its motto, ‘LuLu, where the world comes to shop.’ It shows intricate business planning and is extremely popular with consumers across the Gulf.
The Lulu franchise is a family of over 190 stores around the Saudi states, with its home in Jeddah.
2. Panda Supermarket
This is one of the first modern supermarkets to develop in the Gulf region.
Founded a little in 1978, known as just Panda at the time, this store opened its first branch in Riyadh. In 1999, the Azizia Panda Company underwent a significant merger with the Savola group.
Hence it became one of the largest retail distributors in all of the Middle East.
In November 2014, the company changed its name from Azizia Panda United to Panda Retail Company.
Today, this brand is worth millions of dollars, with a network of over 200 stores under the Panda and HyperPanda markets. This makes Panda the largest retail company operating in the Kingdom. It serves a function in over 35 cities of the KSA.
Panda is one of the first companies in the Kingdom to hire females and disabled people as cashiers. They are employing the most unlikely of people.
People all around KSA applaud Panda for using their platform to bring some good to this world.
Panda stores are famous for their quality products. There are fresh produce, organic stuff, drinks, and beauty products, just some of their wide varieties.
The prices all fall within very reasonable ranges. However, weekly discount offers to drop the charges further, and it’s always a bright idea to look out for them.
3. Al Jazira
Somewhat old-school and much more conventional than the rest on this list is Al Jazira. It is one of the most popular supermarkets, especially amongst ex-pats.
This market stocks everything of potential need, like fresh, locally grown produce, handpicked and delivered. Pasta of all types, delicious bakery items, and so much more.
There are also all sorts of personal use items available and imported beauty and skincare products from around the globe.
Al Jazira has a wonderful website that runs smoothly and allows you to order from the comfort of your home. They also have various policies in place to keep your shipping and returns as uneventful and pleasant as possible.
Keep an eye out for special promotions on their website every month. Blockbuster deals may save you more than just a few bucks.
Read: Noon Daily KSA Promo Code
4. Farm
The Saudi Marketing Company owns this brand of supermarkets. The first-ever retail outlet in 1993 was located in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, and named the Farm Superstores. An idea that later turned into a franchise of sorts.
Farm superstores are known for their high-end products, especially fresh ones and organic produce available nationwide.
Their stores are snug and comforting, with a massive range of products to choose from. They also come up with irresistible offers every week, and that’s just a great place to start your shopping.
Farm Superstores KSA also supports a functional website that updates frequently. All the latest items are on it, and you can order from the safety of your home.
Read: Riyadh restaurants bring global cuisines together
Farm superstores are more of a family, really. Their website brings you little snippets of joy in various sections, like the Chef Corner, which has refreshing and simple recipes that you can try at home.
Farm superstores offer an Imtiyaz (loyalty) card to give back something to the Farm clan.
This loyalty program allows the users certain benefits like rewards and points, which they can redeem for products.
It is a great thing to have at hand if you shop often and can help you stay on budget.
5. Danube
What started as a small trading company in 1993 soon became the No. 1 brand name for Building Materials Company.
From there, the expansion the company saw was intense. It soon launched a franchise of supermarkets, too, under the all-blessed Danube umbrella.
This massive chain of supermarkets is known all across the Gulf region for more reasons than one. Besides stocking literally everything the world offers on its shelves, the Danube is known for its inviting deli and exquisite bakery.
And, of course, all the other things are thrown in the bag, too. With quality electronics, home appliances, personal use items, and much more to dig through.
The Danube may not be the most economical place to shop, but they swear by their quality. And for a good reason too.
The Danube only has top-notch products on its aisles and is a fine place for those who wish to seek quality.
6. Carrefour
Carrefour is a French-owned multinational retail corporation headquartered in Massy, France. It is one of the top ten retailers globally, operating in over 30 countries worldwide and owning through 12000 stores.
Carrefour in KSA has 18 hypermarkets, with 7 of them being in Riyadh alone. The brand operates hypermarts, convenience stores, and also grocery markets.
Carrefour’s detailed website updates regularly so you can order without going out.
They offer weekly and online deals applicable on online orders only and claim home delivery within the hour.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Jeddah
7. Othaim Supermarkets
Perhaps these are much better known as the Abdullah AlOthaim Markets. This market brand is much less talked about than the others on this list.
This company is a large retail corporation operating in both KSA and Egypt. In 2020, Forbes named the AlOthaim group of markets one of the largest 100 public companies in the Middle East.
Othaim Supermarkets are known for its variety of store types, from supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale outlets.
They have almost anything you might need on a grocery trip. You name it: fresh items, frozen foods, bakery delights, health and beauty products. Othaim supermarkets also offer quality baby care products and affordable electronics. And if you’re really nearing the end of the month, you can always check out 5 riyal shops all over Riyadh.
The Al Othaim family shows you that they care with unique promotions that are always running. They also have a novel loyalty program known as the Iktissab, and it is a world of its own.
It has many advantages, like getting up to 50% off on the choicest electronics, food, bakery, and cosmetics.
It also allows users to get discounts on products from the AlOthaim sister companies. There are plenty of prizes involved too!
And there you have it! Our short and comprehensive summary of some of the finest supermarkets in the Kingdom. In fact, you can find many of these in some of the Malls in Riyadh.
Whether you shop in-person or online from your home, there is little these renowned supermarkets can do to disappoint you.
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest supermarket chain in Saudi Arabia?
The largest in terms of business value and market share would be Al Raya Supermarkets; while the largest in terms of the number of branches would be Tamimi Markets
What is the largest Fast food chain in Saudi Arabia?
Mainly because of its exquisite taste and popularity, Al Baik is the biggest fast food brand in Saudi Arabia, despite being completely local.
What is the biggest supermarket in Middle East?
Carrefour is the largest store in the Middle East, covering many regions such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE
