A short insight into the supermarket world of the KSA and what places are best to shop.
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. And what better way to go out shopping than giant supermarkets with snack bars, too? Saudi Arabia is no exception.
The buildings are gorgeous, the supermarkets are vast, and the variety is to die for. Little escapes the world of supermarkets, from fresh veggies to everyday essentials, edibles, and pet food.
This article has compiled info on some of the most famous supermarket chains in Saudi Arabia. So read on!
List of Top 10 Supermarket Chains in KSA
- 1. Lulu Hypermarket
- 2. Panda Supermarket
- 3. Al Jazira
- 4. Farm
- 5. Danube
- 6. Carrefour
- 7. Othaim Supermarkets
- 8. Al Raya Supermarket
- 9. BinDawood
- 10. Tamimi Markets
1. Lulu Hypermarket
Lulu is one of a kind, with a calm ambiance, a modern aura, and 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.
Lulu offers a tremendous range of products in its stores. Little escapes this plethora, from vegetables to electronics, school supplies, fresh items, and lifestyle products.
You can shop for the new trendiest clothes while getting weekend groceries. And wrap up the trip with a hearty dinner at the fabulous food court.
There is just one thing better than shopping in person – online shopping. And Lulu has you covered on that front, too.
Do you not feel like walking down the block to pick up groceries? You can order online on their website and have them delivered to you within hours. It is 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 in 1978, it was 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 the Middle East.
In November 2014, the company changed its name from Azizia Panda United to Panda Retail Company.
This brand is worth millions of dollars today, with a network of over 200 stores under 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 around KSA applaud Panda for using their platform to bring good to this world.
Panda stores are famous for their quality products. Fresh produce, organic products, drinks, and beauty products are just some of the many varieties they offer.
The prices are all within very reasonable ranges. However, weekly discount offers lower the charges further, and it’s always a good 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 in potential need, like fresh, locally grown produce that is handpicked and delivered. Pasta of all types, delicious bakery items, and so much more.
There are also all sorts of personal use items 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 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. In 1993, the first-ever retail outlet, located in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, was 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 offer irresistible offers every week, which is 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. Their website brings you little snippets of joy in various sections, like the Chef Corner, which has refreshing and simple recipes 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 great 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 company’s expansion was intense. It soon launched a franchise of supermarkets 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 everything the world offers on its shelves, the Danube is known for its inviting deli and exquisite bakery.
Of course, all the other things are thrown in the bag, too, including quality electronics, home appliances, personal use items, and much more to dig through.
Although the Danube may not be the most economical place to shop, its merchants swear by their quality—and for good reason, too.
The Danube only has top-notch products in its aisles and is a fine place for those seeking quality products.
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, owning over 12000 stores.
Carrefour in KSA has 18 hypermarkets, with 7 of them being in Riyadh alone. The brand operates hypermarts, convenience stores, and grocery markets.
Carrefour has a detailed website that 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 their various 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.
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, 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!
8. Al Raya Supermarket
Welcoming both locals and visitors, Al Raya Supermarket, with over 45 locations scattered throughout The Kingdom, is a go-to shopping destination in Saudi Arabia for most.
The grocery chain opened its doors to customers on 70th Street (Prince Majed St.) in 1991. It sold about 15,000 items 24 hours a day, making it the first of its kind.
Al Raya Supermarket not only offers daily supplies that meet the customers’ needs but also stands out with its strong brand presence and leading position among the middle to lower middle class of Saudi Arabia’s demographics.
It offers everything you need at your convenient location. From fresh fruits and vegetables to beauty aids, bakery goods, electronics, household products, jewelry, women’s accessories, and more, all under one roof.
With positive reviews from its customers, who appreciate its emphasis on convenience, variety, price range, and quality, Al Raya Supermarket differentiates itself from its competitors in the market.
By offering a sizable parking area, the supermarket ensures customers have a safe and convenient place to park their vehicles while shopping. This feature enhances the overall shopping experience, making it more accessible and hassle-free for customers.
They aim to meet the needs of their local and non-local customers by providing more than 35,000 national and multicultural items, serving more than 100,000 customers daily.
It also offers customers special summer, Ramadan, savings, and such offers for further discounts on their purchases.
Discover quality products at affordable prices and convenience at Al Raya Supermarket!
9. Bin Dawood
What started as a small retail business in 1984 is now a well-known grocery chain in Saudi Arabia with 27 locations across the country offering supermarkets and hypermarkets.
BinDawood and Danube are two vital retail chains managed by BinDawood Holding.
Its vision is to establish itself as a top grocery chain in Saudi Arabia, renowned among its customers for delivering exceptional quality products and exemplary customer service.
To meet its customers’ various needs, BinDawood employs different shop formats. There are multiple supermarkets and giant hypermarkets with a broader selection of goods.
BinDawood Supermarket offers a wide range of goods, including groceries, fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, frozen food, hygiene products, cosmetics, apparel, and electronics.
They have a loyalty program named “Danube Rewards” that benefits frequent customers with perks and savings. Customers can earn points on their purchases while shopping and redeem 1000 points with 10 SAR at any BinDawood supermarket on their next purchase.
As the name suggests, since Danube Supermarket is also managed under BinDawood Holding, the reward points can be redeemed at any Danube Supermarket.
It also provides other deals and offers depending on a particular occasion, such as Eid, Ramadan, summer deals, etc. It emphasizes customer satisfaction and strives to maintain high standards in its products.
Shop quality and service at BinDawood!
10. Tamimi Markets
A fast-growing supermarket chain in Saudi Arabia, it has been named one of the Top 100 brands five times in the past six years. It ensures quality, freshness, and customer service at a low price.
Tamimi Markets was founded in 1979 through a partnership between Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al Tamimi and US retail giant Safeway Store in Khobar, Eastern Province. It aimed to provide customers with a wide selection of quality food products worldwide.
With over 70 locations in Saudi Arabia, It operates various store formats, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores. This allows them to cater to different customer needs and provide a wide range of products.
They also offer the convenience of online shopping through their mobile app, allowing customers to order groceries and deliver them to their doorstep.
Tamimi Rewards is a Loyalty rewards program by Tamimi Markets that frequently offers promotions, discounts, and special deals and offers value to their customers. Through their shopping, they can earn points on their purchases and redeem them for rewards or discounts.
They aim to create a pleasant shopping experience for their customers by maintaining high standards in their products with a vision to serve fresh, safe, and healthy foods with a smile.
Find the nearest Tamimi Market store to you here!
And there you have it! Our short and comprehensive summary of some of the finest supermarkets in the Kingdom.
Whether you shop in person or online from home, these renowned supermarkets can do little to disappoint you.
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