Arab Supermarket Chain King Store to Open in Tel Aviv, Operating on Saturdays

The Arab supermarket chain King Store is planning to expand into Tel Aviv, with a new branch set to open and operate on Saturdays. The chain, which currently has a significant presence in Rosh Ha'ayin, has found that approximately 80% of its customers there are Jewish. King Store has also made a deliberate decision not to sell alcohol or cigarettes in its stores. The company explained that the decision to forgo cigarette sales is an educational message to young people, given the relatively high smoking rate in the Arab community. While the Rosh Ha'ayin branch is open on Saturdays and does not hold a kosher certification, it emphasizes that it only sells kosher products, such as meat and fish, avoiding non-kosher items. The chain noted that while religious customers who strictly adhere to kosher certifications might avoid shopping there due to the Saturday openings, many Jewish customers still frequent the store. In fact, around 40% of the Rosh Ha'ayin branch's revenue is generated on Fridays and Saturdays. The planned Tel Aviv branch is expected to increase competition with larger supermarket chains, including those that do not operate on Saturdays. This move represents a significant step in the expansion of the Galilee-based chain, which began in the village of Musha'ad. The new concept for King Store branches includes bilingual signage in Arabic and Hebrew, a wide variety of authentic Arab and Middle Eastern products, alongside familiar brands. The Rosh Ha'ein flagship store, recently renovated at a cost of approximately ten million shekels, features products from the Galilee, baked goods, unique spices, and local delicacies. The stores also incorporate 'smart carts' for self-scanning and payment. King Store's CEO, Majdi Ktaani, stated that the goal is for customers to feel they are getting the best of both worlds, with all their weekly shopping needs met alongside new tastes and cultures. The company also plans to eventually go public and expand into other marketing areas to create a diverse shopping mall experience. The expansion into the competitive Tel Aviv retail market will present King Store with significant challenges from established chains.