By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter


Many parents and students are expected to benefit from cut-rate school-related merchandise as major hypermarkets and mall tenants are gearing up for their popular “back-to-school” promos.
Even in distant communities like Al Khor in the northern part of Qatar, many residents are expected to enjoy bargain prices being offered in preparation for the resumption of classes in September.
Navaneeth Sudhakaran, who manages Al Khor Mall, told Gulf Times yesterday that two of its tenants, LuLu Hypermarket and City Lifestyle, have already launched their campaigns that cater to students and budget-conscious parents.
LuLu Hypermarket launched on August 12 its “School is Cool” promo, while City Lifestyle has been running its “Be a Star” campaign since August 1, Sudhakaran said.
“Shoppers can avail of many discounted items from a range of school merchandise across all LuLu Hypermarkets and City Lifestyle outlets,” he explained.
According to Sudhakaran, Al Khor boasts of a “good, healthy” mix of private schools such as the Qatar Academy Al Khor, English Modern School, and Compass International School, as well as other community schools.
“Shoppers need not go as far as Doha to buy their school supplies. Last year’s sales were very good, considering we have a well-captured market in Al Khor,” he said.
Even popular hypermarkets such as Al Meera are preparing to launch similar promotions. A quick check at Geant Hypermarket revealed that staff members have started displaying back-to-school items and similar promotions.
Joerg Harengerd, general manager of City Center Doha, also told Gulf Times that mall tenants specifically Carrefour “is doing huge announcements and offers for many back-to-school activities.”
“City Center, as a mall, is not doing much back-to-school-related activities but we are supporting our tenants such as Carrefour, which has an intensive campaign for its shoppers,” he said.
According to Harengerd, an estimated 10 to 15 City Center tenants are expected to offer school-related promotions and campaigns in the run-up to the start of classes next month.
Back-to-school promos are popular trends, especially after the summer vacation where shoppers are given a range of choices from trolley sets, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes, stationery, assorted writing and colouring materials, notebooks, and water bottles offered at discounted prices.
Aside from school supplies, school uniforms, socks, shoes, and other apparel, as well as electronic items like calculators, printers, scanners, and even laptops are included in the promos.