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Monoprix Qatar rolls out first-ever sensory-friendly shopping in the country

In a proud endeavor for the entire Group, Ali Bin Ali Holding – Monoprix Qatar has launched ‘Sensory Friendly Hours’ at its Iconic 2022 outlet. This makes Monoprix Qatar the first-ever sensory-friendly hypermarket in the country. The venture, with the slogan ‘Towards a more inclusive community’, was launched on May 14, 2023, in collaboration with Step by Step Centre for Special Needs.

Shopping can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities, and Monoprix’s ‘Sensory Hours’ is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all our customers.

The sensory hours, every day from 8am to 10am, include dimming store lights, turning off music and announcements over the PA and mitigating cash register noise. Staff are also encouraged to speak more softly and not perform certain tasks, like gathering grocery carts.

On May 22, the ‘Sensory Friendly Hours’ at Monoprix Iconic 2022 was officially launched at a gathering in the presence of parents and children from Step by Step Centre, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Mr. Sébastien Farhat and Director of Step by Step Centre for Special Needs Mrs. Nasreen Sharif.

The session was headed by the Chair of Psychiatry for Sidra Medicine and Chair of Qatar’s National Autism Plan Working Group, Dr. Waqar Muhammad Waqar Azeem, who provided an overview of sensory processing challenges and their impact. He highlighted the importance of sensory-friendly initiatives and encouraged the community for continued support and participation in sensory-friendly initiatives.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Farhat said: “At Monoprix, we want everyone to feel welcome in our stores. Not all needs are visible and small changes can make a big difference to our customers. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment that reflects our commitment to contribute towards creating an inclusive community in Qatar.”

The Step by Step Centre previously trained the enthusiastic Monoprix staff on how to be sensitive in their approach towards customers with sensory difficulties and how to assist them appropriately when required. Reasonable adjustments were suggested and put in place at the hypermarket for the sensory-friendly hours in order to reduce the sensory overload along with the provision of a quiet corner.

Monoprix Qatar’s inclusive shopping venture in partnership with Step by Step Centre for Special Needs is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to build a more inclusive society by bringing a positive change and fulfilling our social responsibility.

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Monoprix West Bay awarded for ‘Best Hygiene Practices for April 2019’

Adding yet another feather to its cap, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Monoprix outlet at the Twin Tower in West Bay was recognized for ‘Best Hygiene Practices for April 2019’.

The certificate was awarded by Boecker®, the largest public health company in the Middle East.

In a letter dated May 15, the public health company wrote: “Monoprix West Bay achieved the highest score of 92.31% among all Boecker® Q-Platinum clients in Qatar for the Month of April 2019.”

This recognition by Boecker® confirms Monoprix Qatar’s constant endeavors to implement proper food safety practices on its premises, from receipt of raw materials to serving of the end products. The certificate also re-affirms that all food handlers are following the food safety guidelines as per the food safety training conducted by Boecker®.

The iconic French supermarket was introduced in Qatar in 2013 and since then has served quality products to people in the country.

Speaking about this latest addition to their portfolio, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “Food safety is a culture and it should be always adopted to deliver the best to customers. We at Monoprix Qatar have always lived by this value and are elated to be recognized for that effort.”

Boecker® provides a holistic range of products, including Food Safety and Biosecurity across Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. All Boecker® services are ISO9001:2008-certified. The Boecker® signature Q Platinum Award™ certification has been tailored to meet the needs of small to medium food establishments, a certification assured by the CIEH-UK.

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ABA Group opens world’s largest Monoprix store in Doha

Taking the concept of hypermarkets in Doha to a new level, Ali Bin Ali Group has opened the world’s largest Monoprix outlet at Doha Festival City.

The renowned French retail chain’s store, which boasts of more than 35,000 high-quality goods spread across its 7,000 sqm location, opened its doors to the public on Friday, April 14. 

Revolutionizing the way people shop, Monoprix – ABA’s Supermarket Division – has introduced a concept that creates a variety of dedicated in-store experiences for its clientele. From restaurants, candy stores and clothes to exclusive electronics, kitchen gadgets and organic food items, Monoprix is here to modify your retail experience. 

The new Monoprix outlet, the chain’s second in Qatar, is unique in more ways than one. It has an extensive range of locally known brands, including the widest variety of fresh items from local farmers.

Bringing its own French heritage to Qatar, the store also features an authentic French bakery, MCrust, and the impressive ‘La Cave à Fromage’, which is stocked with a wide selection of the finest international cheeses. 

The huge crowd that gathered to celebrate the opening was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of dining options offered by the store. Apart from the already- popular Monoprix Fish M Fish, SaladM and MCrust, the new store also has MGrill, MPizzeria and Crepe M Waffles. Prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked right in front of the guests, these restaurants have undoubtedly struck the right chord.

Speaking at the soft opening of the French hypermarket at Doha Festival City, Mr. Sebastien Farhat, Monoprix’s Regional General Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that our newest and largest outlet is now open. We want the people of Qatar to experience the extraordinary world of Monoprix and enjoy every bit of it. This is not just a supermarket, it is a world of its own where you can shop, eat and relax.”