Doha - The Qatar Consumer Complex Group (QCC) has assured copious supply of essential commodities in all its outlets as the Holy Month of Ramadan gets closer.
Tareq Morse, Manager of Duhail Complex, one of the QCC Group outlets midway to the northern part of the country, said the outlet had replenished its stock of essential commodities like rice, sugar, oil etc a couple of months ago in anticipation of an increase in sales during the Holy Month.
The QCC Group has complexes in various parts of the country, including Duhail Complex, Kheretyat Complex, Markhiya Complex, Onaiza Complex and Check-Up Complex.
"We actually started to pack and prepare products from the beginning of this month for display as a special promotion for the occasion," said Morse.
In a specially prepared area in the Complex, items popular during Ramadan, like Vimto drinks, jelly, rose water and custard, are prominently displayed.
"We have sufficient stock and there is no fear for shortage or further increase in prices. We have been replenishing our stock from suppliers for the last couple of months to be ready for the occasion," said Morse.
"There is no fear of increase in prices. We will rather be doing a lot of promotions with commodities selling at reduced prices, particularly with regard to 'over-items' getting one particular product free when purchasing any of the many items on display."
For instance, in the special offer, which has already started, 2.5kg of Tang instant drink that normally costs QR37.50 is being sold at QR35.75, while Vimto fruit drink costs QR8 a bottle compared to QR8.50 previously, with the full box costing QR94 against QR98 previously.
Morse said sales are expected to pick up next week as people return from vacations. He said consumers tend to buy commodities in abundance during Ramadan not out of fear of any price hike but out of habit.
"Normally during this period people like to purchase at one go and stockpile products like jelly, rose water and custard enough for a two-week period. Such a tendency is not specific to Qatar but is widespread throughout the region," said Morse.
The QCC Group's outlets have all prepared similar promotions. At the beautifully decorated Kheretyat Complex, buzzing with a festive mood, similar promotional displays have been set up with packaged rose water, custard, peanuts and other popular snacks stacked high in the outlet.
The Branch Manager of Kheretyat Complex, Mohammed Abdul Majid, said: "We have sufficient stock of commodities and our prices are competitive just like those of cooperatives."
By Nasser Al Harthy
© The Peninsula 2008
