du announces ‘shop in shop’ concept at Virgin Megastore adding to customer convenience and reach
Dubai, UAE, 29 November 2011: du, the fastest-growing telecommunications company in the UAE, and Virgin Megastore, a global leader in retail entertainment, have joined hands to announce the beginning of a new partnership that will enable du to expand its retail distribution reach, significantly adding new points of purchase for customers. Called the ‘shop in shop’ concept, du will set up du Shops at several Virgin Megastore outlets throughout the UAE, thereby adding to customer convenience. The first such du ‘shop in shop’ has opened at Virgin Megastore in Mall of the Emirates,Dubai.
The concept is designed to capitalise on high footfalls at Virgin Megastores and add to the convenience of customers. Future Virgin Megastore locations for du shop in shop concept are planned at The Dubai Mall, Burjuman, Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, Mercato Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. The range of du services to be available at these stores includes all mobile-related services (except purchase of bundled handsets) for individuals and businesses.
Addressing the media, Nisreen Shocair, President of Virgin Megastore, MENA, said: “The partnership between Virgin Megastore and du is the meeting of two leading brands and two creative minds. We are both looking for unique and unconventional ways in which we can further service our customers, within the stores and beyond. This venture will deliver new ways for our consumers to interact with our product offerings, by capitalizing on the convergence of entertainment and technology, and the growth in retail mobility.”
On this occasion, Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: “We are where our customers are, and it is our intention to be as close to our customers as we can. By associating ourselves with a like-minded partner such as Virgin Megastore, a leading retail brand that shares our vision, we are today expanding our retail presence significantly throughout the UAE. The shop in shop concept is an extension of our du Shops wherein our customers will be able to access our services, expertly aided with the help of our trained staff.”
The first du shop in Virgin Megastore, Mall of the Emirates spans an area of 750sq ft and is innovatively designed to reflect du’s new retail theme, including six customer service counters that provide customers with a fast, efficient and friendly experience. Staffed with trained and friendly personnel and with operating hours from 10am-10pm on weekdays and 10am-midnight on weekends, customers are accommodated with greater ease and accessibility to du’s wide range of mobile services.
Today, du Shops are located at 43 operational and convenient locations across the UAE,where du customers can gain access to the telecom’s extensive range of services, convenience for purchasing products, while the online SelfCare portal at du.ae allows customers the quick and convenient option of paying their bills online. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers.
With 14 operational stores across the MENA region including the newly opened location in The Dubai Mall, Virgin Megastore’s product selection lines are second to none in the Middle East with exclusive ranges in music, movies, books, games, electronics, multimedia and Red Box (boutique). To find out more about Virgin Megastore’s products and services please visit www.virginmegastore.meand follow them on Twitter: @VirginMegaME and Facebook: facebook.com/virginmena.
About Virgin Megastore:
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in entertainment and lifestyle retail, and the number one entertainment destination in the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies, gifts and the latest in technology, as well as a wide array of services complementing the product range. It is a unique shopping experience that offers innovative and exclusive products and services for all age groups, and caters to the local and expat cultures through events, activities and talent support. Virgin Megastore is a global brand with a local flavor.
About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du’s nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 3rd quarter of 2011, over 4,937,900people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile customers.
Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between ‘more credit’, ‘more time’ and now the ‘more international’ recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.
For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.
du products and services for consumers and business are available through du’s retail network, currently numbering 37 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop.du.aedu shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.
du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.
