Lulu Group is sharpening its focus on India, with plans to expand both its physical retail footprint and digital distribution.

The retailer plans to partner with various e-commerce platforms to sell its hypermarket products by the first quarter.

Chairman and MD MA Yusuff Ali said India currently plays a huge role in the group’s global operations, particularly as a sourcing hub across food and non-food categories.

“India is one of our most strategic sourcing destinations across food and non-food categories,” Ali said.

Alongside its digital push, the group is developing what it says will be the largest shopping mall in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Spanning 66,000sqm, the complex will feature more than 300 national and international brands, a 3000-seat food court, a 15-screen multiplex with Imax, and a children’s amusement zone.

Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical risks, including potential trade tariffs and commodity inflation, Ali said Lulu would continue to diversify its sourcing base while remaining optimistic about demand.

“I am optimistic as consumers remain resilient and markets adapt quickly,” he added.

“Our strategy is diversification and preparedness through multiple sourcing origins.”

Lulu Group International is a UAE-based multinational conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The group operates the Lulu Hypermarket chain across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Its Indian headquarters are located in Kochi, Kerala.

Further reading: Lulu Group closes all hypermarkets in Malaysia