Arab Supermarket Chain King Store Expands to Tel Aviv
The Arab supermarket chain King Store is planning to open a branch in Tel Aviv, which will operate on Saturdays. The chain, which originated in the Galilee region and has a flagship store in Rosh Ha'ayin, aims to attract customers with competitive prices and a unique product offering that includes authentic Arab and Middle Eastern cuisine alongside familiar brands.
King Store's Rosh Ha'ayin branch, which underwent a NIS 10 million renovation, has seen significant success with Jewish customers, who constitute approximately 80% of its clientele. This branch operates without a kosher certification and is open on Shabbat, with about 40% of its weekly revenue generated over the weekend. The chain has chosen not to sell alcohol, adhering to Islamic principles, and also refrains from selling cigarettes as an educational message to young people, despite a relatively high smoking rate in the Arab community.
The expansion into Tel Aviv is seen as a significant step for the chain, potentially increasing competition with larger supermarket chains already operating in the area. The new branch will feature bilingual signage in Arabic and Hebrew, reflecting its goal of cultural diversity. The company also plans to introduce 'smart carts' for self-checkout and is considering future stock market listing and expansion into other retail areas.
King Store's CEO, Majdi Katani, stated that the company wants customers to feel they can find the best of both worlds, offering everything needed for weekly shopping along with new tastes and cultures. The chain is also looking to expand its offerings to include more non-food items like electronics and home goods, aiming to create a multi-faceted shopping experience.
