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LOOK: Carrefour launches world’s first sail-thru supermarket in Dubai

‘Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore’, the world’s first sail thru supermarket, has been unveiled by Majid Al Futtaim on December 5 in Dubai.

The ‘by the shore supermarket’ is operational six days a week from 10am to 6pm.

The custom-built Aqua Pod will serve customers on yachts, jet-skis and on three selected beaches in Dubai: Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach and Al Sufouh Beach.

On-board the supermarket are 300 products, ranging from hot and cold snacks, ice cream, fresh food and beverages to selected non-food items like sunscreen and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. These products cater to customer needs while at sea and on-shore.

Shoppers can now order by calling or via mobile app. Items will delivered to the shopper’s boat or to the shore. Shoppers can even sail-thru on a jet ski. Customers on larger sailing vessels in the area or on the selected beaches can phone through their order by dialing 056 400 3659 or via the ‘Aqua Pod’ app (Android and iOS compatible) and a skiff will deliver their order within a 45-minute target delivery time.

Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: ‘Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is a world-first for Carrefour and our industry. More than ever, a successful business depends on continually reinventing itself to stay ahead of customer needs and expectations. Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is an innovation underpinned by a clear business strategy based on ‘customers first’, and aligned with our vision to create great moments for everyone, every day.

Miguel Povedano, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operational Excellence of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail said: “With Dubai’s stunning coastline being enjoyed by millions of people each year, it is a natural next step to cater to our customers with relevant products in a locale where they are not currently being served. It’s exciting to know that we can reach our customers anywhere whether it be land or sea, and we can’t wait to delight them with this world-first service.”

The Aqua Pod is a unique concept designed and created by Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS), in Dubai, and has been built and designed with an eco-friendly focus.

It is powered by rechargeable batteries, which will allow it to cruise out to sea and back. Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore will also contribute to cleaner waters around Dubai via its ‘seabin’ which is attached to the exterior of the Aqua Pod and vacuums in any floating debris into its holding tank. The refuse is then safely disposed of once docked on shore. Lastly, the Aqua Pod can convert grid water in its holding tank to potable water using a built-in purifier, eliminating the need for plastic bottles on board.

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