Galeries Lafayette Doha recognized for the World’s Best Creative and Marketing Campaign

 

In a grand high-level event on September 12-13, 2024, Galeries Lafayette Doha was recognized as the 2nd finalist for the prestigious World’s Best Creative and Marketing Campaign by a Department Store at the 15th IGDS World Department Store Summit (WDSS 2024). This accolade was awarded to Galeries Lafayette Doha for its innovative Silly Monsters campaign, which has captivated audiences and enriched the shopping experience for families across Qatar.

Since its launch in Oct 2023, the Silly Monsters campaign has brought joy and creativity to children and families in the State of Qatar. This vibrant initiative features playful monster characters that engage young audiences through interactive displays, workshops, and events. By seamlessly blending art and entertainment, the Silly Monsters campaign encourages children to explore their creativity while fostering a sense of community.

The 15th IGDS WDSS, held at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Germany, served as a vital platform for discussing the future of the retail and department store industries. The two-day summit brought together CEOs, senior executives, and industry experts to exchange insights, network, and explore ambitious strategies for sustainable growth.

The IGDS WDSS is recognized as the world’s leading discussion platform for department store leaders and their stakeholders, including brands, suppliers, and service companies. The annual event aims to foster collaboration and innovation, enhancing the industry’s ability to create sustainable solutions that benefit all participants.

Since its inception in 2015, the World’s Best Creative and Marketing Campaign by a Department Store award has highlighted the significance of marketing campaigns in enhancing brand equity, reputation, and customer trust. It recognizes the vital role these campaigns play in driving footfall and connecting with both new and existing customers.

Receiving the World’s Best Creative and Marketing Campaign by a Department Store award on behalf of Galeries Lafayette Doha, the General Manager of the boutique, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender, expressed his pride regarding the Silly Monsters campaign, stating, “Galeries Lafayette Doha’s creation of the Silly Monsters campaign was both a voyage into the unknown and a labor of love. We really wanted to create a unique department store experience where the imagination of a child was at the forefront of the storytelling. Children’s imaginations are so unfiltered and unaffected by society’s pre-perceived ideas of what creativity and design should look like that, allowing their creations to take over the department store’s internal and external spaces was so exciting for us. Galeries Lafayette Doha became the blank canvas, and our young designers became the creative directors. In addition to this, we really wanted this campaign to be owned by our very special staff members, so each of the young designers had a parent who is part of our Galeries Lafayette team. Silly Monsters was not just a creative and commercial success but also a campaign of togetherness.”

Till today, Silly Monsters campaign not only enhances the shopping experience but also reinforces Galeries Lafayette’s commitment to being a family-friendly destination, making it a cherished hub for both children and adults alike, where Fashion and Art combine.

For more information about Galeries Lafayette Doha and the Silly Monsters campaign, please visit the store at 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar or the website: www.galerieslafayette.qa.

Pinktober Was All Smiles for Breast Cancer Awareness at 21 High Street

To support the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026, which aims to ensure that everyone in Qatar has access to accurate information and the highest quality cancer care, 21 High St, the ultimate outdoor shopping destination in Katara, launched a 360-degree photo booth. Visitors took fun and creative pictures and videos to show their support for breast cancer awareness.

The booth was prominently located in 21 High St. and was open from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and 5pm to 12pm on weekends, starting on Thursday, October 5th and running for two weeks.

Decorated with white flowers and pink ribbon which are universally recognized symbols of breast cancer awareness, the 360-degree photobooth was both eye-catching and meaningful.

“We are proud to partner with Qatar Cancer Society to support their important work,” said Evelyn De Croutte, General Manager, 21 High Street. “Women often have to juggle many different roles, from running the household to working full-time jobs. Therefore, we need to look at our well-being from a 360-degree angle taking into consideration our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.”

Shoppers had a lot of fun at the 360-degree photo booth and captured some amazing memories with their friends and family! They were also able to receive their photos and videos via AirDrop or email, and were encouraged to post them on social media using the hashtag #SmileForBreastCancerAwareness to support the fight against breast cancer.

Throughout the month of October, the Qatar Cancer Society is partnering with various organizations across the country to raise awareness.

ABA IT Department takes a break from work, enjoys a fun bowling evening


Bringing a much-needed change to the everyday routine, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Holding’s Information Technology Department organized a special bowling event on December 8, 2021, in Gondolania at Villaggio Mall.

The fun evening was planned with the idea of stressing the importance of ensuring a healthy work-life balance, which is essential for mental wellbeing as well as better productivity.

All members of the ABA IT Department gathered in the bowling area and the games started at 5pm. Two game sets were played with the participation of 31 members. After an exciting display of bowling skills and a thrilling head-to-head competition, the three top scorers were Osama Abdul Rahman Hamad (253), Sabin Sabu (221) and Noor Muhammad Malik (221).

After the games, the team settled down for a relaxed dinner of pizza. The night concluded on a happy note as the ABA IT team went back home rejuvenated and refreshed.

Speaking about the event, Group General Manger of ABA IT Department Youssef Moussa said: “We believe social activities are very important for the well-being of employees. In the past, we have organized volleyball, football, basketball and similar events. These events were arranged on a quarterly basis. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we stopped for some time. Now, we have resumed these activities again.”