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Monoprix Qatar offers educational opportunities to children with special needs

Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Monoprix Qatar organized an educational and interactive field trip for 15 children, aged 5-13, enrolled at Life Skills Hub. Life Skills Hub offers affordable special programs which are created to engage children with special needs. The site visit was conducted to encourage social and occupational growth, so that students are empowered to succeed in various aspects of life.

Monoprix Qatar recently introduced “sensory friendly hours” at its Al Waab location, the first of its kind initiative in Qatar. This provided the perfect background to carry out the vocational training program for sensory sensitive and special needs children in a non-overwhelming environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sebastian, Regional General Manager, Monoprix Qatar, said, “We firmly advocate for an inclusive community and understand the role accessible education plays in leading a fulfilled and productive life. Children with special educational needs often face barriers in terms of learning and social opportunities. We recognize this, and today’s exercise is a step towards creating more harmonious communities.”

The educational tour began with a brief address from Mr. Khalid El Khatouri, Store Manager, Monoprix Qatar Al Waab 2022 followed by a special fun breakfast session where the group enjoyed refreshments. A guided supermarket tour then began at M Pizza, where children learnt how to make pizzas from scratch. The group then moved to the FMCG with Groceries section, followed by a visit to the dairy products and fresh fruit aisles. They also learned about the different types of fruits and vegetables available in the store. The tour ended with a visit to the checkout counter, where the children were able to practice scanning items and paying for their purchases.

Grocery shopping is one of the most basic activities carried out in day-to-day life. Ahead of the field trip, a mock supermarket was created in the Life Skills Hub classroom, where children selected items and paid for them as part of pretend play. Students were also shown visual storyboards and assigned to create a list of grocery items that they would like to purchase at Monoprix Qatar.

“Today was a very important learning lesson for our students. This workshop has provided them with an opportunity to practice a variety of skills such as finding store information, shopping from a list, navigating goods aisles and understanding the checkout process.” Said, Aderonke Dada, children’s instructor at Life Skills Hub.

At the end of the day, the excitement amongst the children was palpable as each child was given a special goody bag containing a soft toy and some healthy snacks – and obviously a new set of life skills!

The children and their parents were very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the field trip. They said that it was a great way to learn about different aspects of the supermarket and to have fun at the same time. Monoprix Qatar is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers. The sensory friendly hours is initiative is just one way that the company is working to make its stores more accessible to people with special needs.

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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 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 Qatar’s reusable bags set to contribute to charity efforts

After becoming the first and only supermarket in Qatar to start using paper bags, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Monoprix Qatar introduced a more sustainable way of shopping with reusable bags. Making the right start to the New Year, on January 1, 2023, Monoprix Qatar launched the permanent campaign, ‘Let’s be the change – reduce, reuse, recycle’. Leading the way in reducing the one-time use of shopping bags, Monoprix Qatar looks forward to saving trees and creating a greener environment.

Customers at any Monoprix store in Qatar can now purchase one re-usable bag for QR 1 and also get a voucher worth QR 1 in return, in effect getting the bag free of cost. This QR 1 voucher, which is valid for 1 month, can be redeemed at any of the Monoprix stores on the next visit.

The QR 1 cost of the reusable bag is just to make customers conscious about the number of bags they use and use them only when it’s necessary. Making the use of these bags even more sustainable, the supermarket will exchange any used or damaged Monoprix reusable bags for free, for life.

Customers can also choose to donate their vouchers to charity efforts. In partnership with Qatar Charity, the hypermarket has placed voucher donation boxes on each of its cash counters for customers to make a contribution. Monoprix will then pay Qatar Charity the equivalent amount of the number of vouchers collected. The donation process is part of Monoprix Qatar’s vision of elevating underprivileged communities and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Monoprix as a brand has always committed itself to a sustainable development approach with organic products, local produce, recycling waste and using environment-friendly packaging options. With a proactive vision to save the environment and raise awareness about it, Monoprix takes innovative steps to preserve the nature for a greener future.

Speaking about this noble initiative, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “Monoprix supermarket uses a large number of bags every year and this is not good news for the environment. We are always looking to more sustainable, environment-friendly solutions and the reusable shopping bags seemed to be the perfect answer to this situation. Monoprix is much more than just a supermarket, we want to give back and do our humble bit for the community. I am sure this campaign will help raise awareness and the eco-friendly shopping option will be well-received and contribute substantially to a greener future for our planet.”

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With a vision for a greener tomorrow, Monoprix Qatar introduces reusable shopping bags

After becoming the first supermarket in Qatar to start using paper bags, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Monoprix Qatar introduced a more sustainable way of shopping with reusable bags. Making the right start to the New Year, on 1 January, 2023, Monoprix Qatar launched the permanent campaign, ‘Let’s be the change – reduce, reuse, recycle’. Leading the way in reducing the one-time use of shopping bags, Monoprix Qatar looks forward to saving trees and creating a greener environment.

Customers at any Monoprix store in Qatar can now purchase one re-usable bag for QR 1 and also get a voucher worth QR 1 in return, in effect getting the bag free of cost. This QR 1 voucher can be redeemed in any of the Monoprix stores on the next visit starting the next day.  The voucher is valid for 1 month.

The QR 1 cost of the reusable bag is just to make customers conscious about the number of bags they use and use them only when it’s necessary. Making the use of these bags even more sustainable, the supermarket will exchange any used or damaged Monoprix reusable bags for free, for life.

Monoprix as a brand has always committed itself to a sustainable development approach with organic products, local produce, recycling waste and using environment-friendly packaging options. With a proactive vision to save the environment and raise awareness about it, Monoprix takes innovative steps to preserve the nature for a greener future.

Speaking about this noble initiative, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “Monoprix supermarket uses a large number of bags every year and this is not good news for the environment. We are always looking towards more sustainable, environment-friendly solutions and the reusable shopping bags seemed to be the perfect answer to this situation. Monoprix is much more than just a supermarket, we want to give back and do our humble bit for the community. I am sure this campaign will help raise awareness and the eco-friendly shopping option will be well-received and contribute substantially to a greener future for our planet.”

 

 

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Qatar Cancer Society recognizes Monoprix Qatar for support to Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Recognizing Monoprix Qatar’s support to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Qatar Cancer Society presented the French Hypermarket with a special appreciation trophy. The trophy was officially handed over to Mr. Alice Kumpraewpan, Customer Service Manager of Monoprix Qatar, on October 26, 2022.

True to their vision of supporting the community, Monoprix stores all over Qatar honored October as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and made sure to pass the message on to their employees as well as customers.

Pink was the flavor of the month at Monoprix Qatar. Female staff in all Monoprix stores and the head office were seen in pink polo shirts along with pink ribbons to show support to the cause and raise awareness. The Monoprix paper shopping bag was also updated with a special design to reflect the campaign.

Monoprix Qatar also used its official social media platform to maximize the campaign’s reach and posted a video about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Monoprix outlets all over Qatar were branded with information about the campaign, including a QR code donation sticker for customers who would like to donate for the noble cause. Furthermore, a total of 1,000 gift boxes were given out to female customers who came to shop in the Monoprix stores.

Speaking about supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, General Manager of Monoprix Qatar Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “Monoprix is not just a Hypermarket, we are a community and we believe in supporting our people and society. While breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, it can also be treated if detected early. It is all about awareness and Monoprix wanted to support Qatar Cancer Society in this noble cause. We took every step possible to reach out to our staff and customers and make this campaign successful.”

 

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Ali Bin Ali Holding launches ‘SNAN’ Food Hall at 21 High st – Katara

Once again offering a unique experience for the people of Qatar, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Market Hall division has launched ‘SNAN’ Food Hall at 21 High st in Katara Cultural Village.

‘SNAN’ Food Hall was inaugurated on August 1, 2022 by General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and General Manager of Market Hall Mr. Sebastian Farhat. Also present were senior staff of Ali Bin Ali Holding and Katara Cultural Village in addition to members of local media, bloggers and social media influencers.

Built around the globally renowned Food Hall approach, ‘SNAN’ means ‘the tip of the spear’ in Arabic; therefore, ‘SNAN’ Food Hall’s goal is to be at the forefront of any high-end retail food shop in Qatar.

Located right on the main street of 21 High st, along the same line as Galeries Lafayette Doha’s main entrance, ‘SNAN’ is a high-end multi-functional Food Hall with a  truly eclectic European-styled look which blends perfectly well with the classy grandeur of 21 High st.

The building that houses ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is made of wrought iron and glass with a stunning interior. At the very center of the hall is a beautiful grand staircase with wrought iron railings that lead to a separate area upstairs. The colorful mosaic-tiled ceiling exudes luxury and elegance, and gives you a feeling of being in Victorian Europe.

Complemented by exclusive customer service, ‘SNAN’ offers an extensive, high-quality product range sourced from across the world. The retail gourmet section at ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is located on the ground floor with a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetable. The hall also houses the best premium Colombian coffee house – Juan Valdez, the original Belgium chocolate boutique – Neuhaus and a flower shop.

Offering some delightful gastronomical treats, the elaborate dining space is located on the first floor of the building and consists of a pizzeria and as well as a grill/roastery.

Additionally, ‘SNAN’ Food Hall offers a full bakery and pastry section with the most delicious baguettes, croissants, bread, cakes and more. A dedicated gourmet cheese section that will tempt the taste buds of every cheese lover, and a full Deli with salads, olives, cold cuts, add to ‘SNAN’s’ appeal, making it a must-visit location for Qatar’s cosmopolitan shoppers.

Speaking about the new addition to the Cultural Village, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village , His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: “Katara Cultural Village is all about showcasing diverse cultures and we are happy to welcome a European styled ‘food hall’ in our premises. ‘SNAN’, with all its grandeur, merges originally with the landscape of Katara – most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar.”

Commenting on the launch, the General Manager of Market Hall Mr. Sebastian Farhat said, “We are proud to launch ‘SNAN’ Food Hall and introduce it as a place that is bursting with flavors from around the world. ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is tipped to be a showcase of all things seasonal and delicious with quality brands and products curated to satisfy the discerning tastes of shoppers. We have ensured that ‘SNAN’ is surrounded by the stunning architecture of 21 High st and nestled within the confines of Katara Cultural Village. That is why we can promise that ‘SNAN’ will deliver far more than a typical shopping experience.”

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ABA Holding launches world’s largest Monoprix store at Place Vendome mall

Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Market Hall division has inaugurated world’s largest Monoprix outlet at Place Vendome in Lusail – the new home for luxury and fashion in Qatar. The renowned French retail chain’s store, which boasts of more than 35,000 high-quality goods spread across its 9,000sqm location, opened its doors to the public on Friday, April 15.

Located on the ground floor of the sprawling Place Vendome, the Monoprix store near Entrance 2 of the mall is not only convenient to find but also easily accessible for shoppers.

The new Monoprix outlet, the chain’s sixth store in Qatar, is everything you would expect from your favorite French hypermarket. Apart from the wide range of local and international brands, the store creates a variety of dedicated in-store experiences for its clientele. From restaurants, candy stores to exclusive electronics, kitchen gadgets and organic food items, Monoprix is here to modify your retail experience.

Apart from the already-popular Monoprix Fish M Fish, SaladM, MCrust, MGrill, MPizzeria and Crepe M Waffles, the new store also has MTacos, which offers the true taste of Mexican Tacos to savor authentic Mexican Street comfort foods. Prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked right in front of the guests, these restaurants have undoubtedly strike the right chord.

Speaking at the soft opening of the hypermarket at Place Vendome, Lusail, Mr. Sebastien Farhat, Monoprix’s Regional General Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that our newest and largest outlet is now open. Responding to the demands of our loyal clientele, Monoprix is always looking forward to expand its retail footprint in Qatar and our presence at the glamorous Place Vendome is part of that mission. We want the people of Qatar to experience the extraordinary world of Monoprix and enjoy every bit of it. This is not just a hypermarket, it is a world of its own where you can shop, eat and relax.”

Monoprix Qatar is one of the most popular hypermarket chains in Qatar. The retail chain currently has six stores in Qatar: Palm Towers – West Bay, Doha Festival City, Medina Centrale at The Pearl-Qatar, Msheireb Galleria, iCONIC 2022 building in Aspire Zone and the new store at Place Vendome Mall.

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Monoprix Qatar expands presence, opens two new trendy stores

Expanding its already impressive presence in Qatar, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Monoprix recently opened two new stores in the city. Both the new Monoprix stores mark a vibrant presence in two of the most epochal landmarks in the country. While one is located in the heart of the Doha at Msheireb Downtown, the second one is in the iCONIC 2022 building at Aspire Zone.

Located inside the Galleria mall near its back entrance, Monoprix Msheireb is a shopper’s delight. The 4,300-sqm store is a one-stop-shop for total grocery needs with all fresh food categories, including butchery, delicatessen, cheese counter, bakery and fishery. Like all other Monoprix stores, Monoprix Msheireb also upholds the ‘good food’ concept with an elaborate and well-stocked organic, gluten-free, diet food and protein sections.

Continuing to support local initiatives, the store has a wide range of Qatar-made products across all categories, including food and beverages. Apart from the popular restaurants Mgrill, Mfish, Mpizza and Msushi, the store also houses a Salad Bar, a Mediterranean Counter with fresh salads, and a section for fresh Qatari food.

Located in the iCONIC 2022 building, which is already an indelible part of this nation’s sporting legacy, iCONIC Monoprix is a landmark on its own. The 6,500-sqm store not only features well-stocked isles, but also has ample parking spaces in order to offer maximum convenience to customers.

The trendy concept store also includes the full range of high-quality products Monoprix is known for, along with a dedicated organic food section. Serviced fully by a team of professional, well-trained staff, the outlet also includes the Monoprix concept restaurants that serve an exciting array of special Monoprix dishes made from exclusive recipes.

Both stores have well-planned COVID-safe protocols in place, upholding the highest government-stipulated health and safety standards. The latest Monoprix stores are ready to welcome shoppers and offer them an inimitable shopping experience with a decidedly French touch.

Speaking about the expansion, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Mr. Sébastien Farhat said: “The love and encouragement of our customers has encouraged us to spread our network. The two latest additions to the Monoprix store family hold special significance because of their strategic locations, making them a part of the country’s future. Monoprix Qatar is always looking to diversify our presence and be easily accessible for all people in Qatar.”

Monoprix Qatar is one of the most popular supermarket chains in Qatar. The retail chain currently has five stores in Qatar – West Bay, Doha Festival City, Medina Centrale at The Pearl-Qatar and the new Monoprix stores at Msheireb Downtown Doha and iCONIC 2022 building in Aspire Zone. Monoprix Qatar is continuously working on widening its network and will soon launch new stores in different parts of the country.

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ABA’s Monoprix Qatar celebrates success of FORWARD in the division

After implementing the FORWARD application in February 2019 and using it since then, it was time for Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Holding’s Monoprix division to celebrate the successful implementation. On May 30, 2019, the Monoprix Qatar team and members from FORWARD PMO gathered to commemorate this achievement.

Apart from the team that worked on the FORWARD Project, Regional General Manager of Monoprix Qatar Mr. Sébastien Farhat, FORWARD Project Sponsor Mr. Mohamad Ebrik and ABA Holding PMO Manager Mr. Youssef Farajallah were all there to applaud the hard work the team had put in.

Opening the gathering, Mr. Sebastian said: “Whatever we achieved was because of teamwork. True to the values of Ali Bin Ali S.H.A.R.P, where people are very important, together we made this achievement possible in a short timeframe. It was with all your efforts, particularly the team that developed the requirements as per the needs of the different streams of business, we met our expectations.”

Applauding the efforts of the team, Mr. Ebrik said: “Monoprix is one of the new babies of Ali Bin Ali Holding and the expansion, growth and pace that we have been going through is really good. The ERP solution is now functioning in full swing in the division but it is important that the people behind the system makes it work to its full potential. It is up to you to benefit or not benefit from it. 

“In terms of knowledge and growth, using the best systems in the world is a big plus for you as it increases your value. Next, the FORWARD team will refocus with you on how to enhance what has been delivered.”

It was also the perfect opportunity to recognize the heroes in the division who went that extra mile to make the transition smooth. 

Shyam Thushara Peiris – Senior Accountant, Afroj Alam – Store Financial Controller, Rezaul Karim Bhuiyan – Store Financial Controller, Mohammed Mahiuddin – Store Financial Controller, and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin – Gold System Administrator, were awarded for their outstanding role in the project. 

Dianne Daraman – Accountant, Manohar Pratap – Accounts Assistant, Bimal Khadka – Accounts Assistant,  Bijay Chaulagain – Accounts Assistant, Sajan Shah – Accounts Assistant, Bharat Bhatta – Assistant Accountant, Diana Grace Dolor – Assistant Accountant, and Bipin Neupane – Invoice Control Clerk, were also recognized for their unrelenting support to the project.