If you are an entrepreneur who would like to cater to the needs of the many residents that make up Abu Dhabi’s population, opening a baqala in Abu Dhab may be the right business venture for you! The convenience stores in the neighbourhoods of the UAE, also known as baqalas, house everything needed for daily life under one roof. If you want to become the owner of a baqala in Abu Dhabi or if you want to know more about how you can setup a baqala in Dubai, keep reading this SetHub guide as we set you up for success in this promising enterprise.
Why Start a Baqala in Abu Dhabi?
Baqalas are very popular in the UAE due to their ease of access and affordable prices. People from all walks of life patronize baqalas. From blue and white collar workers to families and domestic aides, everyone in the UAE visits a baqala to purchase their daily essentials. Below are our top reasons for why you should consider opening up your own baqala:
- There is a high demand for more baqalas in the UAE because they are essential for the population to make fast purchases
- The capital requirement to open a baqala is minimal
- You can be rest assured that you will have sales year round due to the nature of the items being sold
- By positioning your baqala in a neighbourhood, you will enjoy a loyal base of repeat customers
Abu Dhabi’s legal requirements
Before you begin the process of setting up a baqala, you must understand Abu Dhabi’s laws and regulations. Here is the outline of the process:
First, you must obtain your business license which can be done through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) under the grocery or retail busines category
Second, you will need a local sponsor. UAE laws mandate that for certain business categories run by foreigners, a local partner is essential.
Third, you must obtain a series of approvals. To get your baqala location and layout approved, you must consult with the Abu Dhabi Municipality. When it comes to maintaining food safety and hygiene, you must consult with Abu Dhabi health and safety departments.
Choosing the right location
When looking for a location to situate your baqala, you will need one that sees a lot of foot traffic. Think along the lines of neighbourhoods, schools and metro stations. If your baqala is close to where the population resides, then securing repeat customers will be a breeze. The same must be factored in if you have plans to set up a baqala in Dubai.
Designing the layout of your Baqala
In order to provide your customers with the best shopping experience, you must spend some time designing the layout of your baqala. Keep the below list of things in mind when doing so:
Making the best use of shelf space will go a long way in helping customers grab what they need with ease. Make sure you group similar categories of products together, backed with proper signage.
Sundries such as bread, eggs and milk must be kept in an area that can be reached easily.
Make sure your staff keep your baqala clean and tidy at all times. This will give it an inviting feeling for customers.
Sourcing inventory
With many baqalas around, you must stay competitive by offering customers with the products they need at the right prices. When sourcing inventory, do the following:
Work together with wholesalers in order to build relationships that will provide you with bulk deals
When it comes to perishable items, you rather work with local suppliers who are in your area.
Make sure the range of products you offer is diverse as customers like a variety. This will help in reaching a wider audience.
Hire the Right Staff
The employees that will make up the staff of your baqala will depend on the size of your baqala. Some of them should be dedicated to helping customers, while others should be responsible for keeping track of inventory and stocking the shelves. Hire a senior person to manage the whole operation. Your staff must meet the following criteria:
- Understand basic customer service.
- Trained in handling food and hygiene standards.
- Can use a Point-of-Sale (POS) system.
Time for Marketing!
Most baqalas don’t need to be marketed in the same way that other businesses are. This is mainly due to the fact that the success of a baqala relies on foot traffic and visible visibility. However, if you do spend on marketing, you will most likely be able to attract more customers. Here are some strategies that you can follow to drive more people into your baqala.
- Distributing flyers and leaflets, along with posters in areas where this is allowed
- Building a google business profile to make sure your location can be viewed online
- Having consistent special offers in the form of promotions and raffle draws
- Sponsorship of local events and loyalty programmes
Some Tips for Success
- Put in the effort to get to know your customers on a personal level. This will help in community relationship building.
- Stock special items that other baqalas do not carry. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
- Stay on top of trends and make sure you stock trendy items such as organic snacks and more.
To Conclude,
If you want to serve the community, there is no better way to do it than by opening up a baqala in Abu Dhabi. If you follow the steps we have outlined for you and take care to understand your customer base, your baqala business can succeed without any issues!
If you need assistance navigating the licensing process or setting up your business, don’t hesitate to seek help from SetHub. Taking the first step toward opening your baqala today could pave the way for a thriving business tomorrow.
Schedule a call with one of our business set up experts today! We guarantee that you will hear back from us with some tailored advice in just one business hour.
