Overcome challenges
Ensuring business continuity during an unprecedented crisis requires not only courage but also concrete measures. There could be a supply shortage too, especially of products coming from the most affected countries that have not opened fully.
“While the situation itself is unprecedented, we have risen to the challenge,” Lack stressed. “Our BCP team convened early and identified potential challenges.
Daily conversations continue with our suppliers, and a list of key items identified quickly. Stocks were added to our strategic reserves and stores were informed to increase orders on certain products and give more space on the shelf. All our suppliers have been brilliant in working closely with us to ensure we get stocks to the stores promptly. Certain items ran out quickly, but we were able to top them up. While the availability of some items is affected, suppliers are working on transportation to get them to us; in any case, we have alternatives. Fruits and vegetables have seen some cost price fluctuation, but this is normal as it is purchased daily, so we have focussed on the basics to ensure enough stock at the best daily prices.”
“Also, we have to keep our colleagues and customers safe. We monitor each store to ensure safety and wellbeing of our team and customers,” he continued.
“One of the biggest challenges is with team members who are fasting during Ramadan and ensuring they maintain a strong immune system and high energy levels at all times. A second challenge will be to understand
consumer buying behaviours under these circumstances as this is a first for everyone. Still, we will continue to do our best and offer next day deliveries ensuring high-quality processes and procedures are followed,” added Balderstone.
Amidst the on-going crisis, on April 23, BinDawood Holding opened its 46th Danube Store – 73rd for BinDawood Holding. “This opening is a testament to the cross-team collaboration of our colleagues across Danube and BinDawood Holding. We have an open communication channel, and the team overcame extreme challenges caused by the pandemic to open the store on schedule; it is a testament to their dedication. As a gesture of appreciation, we have announced a generous incentive for all our instore staff. It is for their remarkable dedication through these times of crisis. They have continued to provide a vital service to the communities we serve in their time of need, despite the challenges of COVID-19.”
Similarly, Grandiose has also extended its footprint in Abu Dhabi amidst the on-going crisis, opening a store on Al Reem Island on April
22. “We were able to ensure that the residents of Al Reem Island can access a supermarket, something that they were waiting for since the past couple of years. And this was possible because of the efforts of our people,” Latour stated. “We will continue expanding in the UAE, with plans on track to open three more stores in Dubai Sports
City, Dubai Marina and Masdar in Abu Dhabi. By the end of this year, we want to touch the 15-store network and 25 by the end of 2021.”