We Bring Retail Concepts to Life We thrive on transforming the ingenious needs of our clients into ideas that are concluded by bespoke designs and an overall transformation of the store. For us, the most rewarding honor, is the appreciation and satisfaction of our valued customers.
Mohit Ahuja- General Manager Wanzl Middle East FZE Could you please tell me briefly your role and a quick overview of your business? How does Wanzl Middle East start? I head Wanzl Middle East in the capacity of General Manager and oversee the day-to-day business of the company. Wanzl stands for dynamism, reliability and progress. We have been a recognized global leader through our various solutions for retail, logistics, airport, security and hotel service for decades. Wanzl solutions are always synonymous with exceptional quality, attractive aesthetics and distinctive design combined with optimum ergonomics. Wanzl Middle East was established in Dubai in 2007 as a subsidiary of Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA which has its headquarter in Leipheim Germany. It started with one customer for the first year and today boasts to be a market leader focusing on food retail customers.
Working for 11 years in Wanzl, what do you love most about your job and why? I love my job because each day is unique. I love challenges and this helps me to stay focused and involved. It entails meeting and understanding diverse clients and creating a journey with them by designing and executing customized stores. Working in a very challenging environment has a fair amount of tribulations as well as perks. I find it endearing and engaging to be completely involved in client relations and thereby lending them my full support.
Wanzl received awards recognition in the region, can you share your secrets in delivering a winning project? I firmly believe that awards primarily provide a platform to showcase your potential and professionalism at the highest level. We at Wanzl take pride in every award we have won as it simply reassures us of our passion and dedication to our work. The golden rule being “WORK AS A TEAM!”
How long does a project take from start to finish? The project completion depends on the size and complexity of the project design. Design usually takes 3-4 weeks whereas the execution, around 4 months if the store is to be built from a bare shell. Usually, the fixtures are ordered in advance and the Civil and MEP work are done simultaneously to keep the store ready when the fixtures arrive. Coordination with various stakeholders and calibrating the installation is the challenging part of any project, which is one of our specialties to synchronize and deliver every project on time and exceed client expectations.
Sharjah Coop Hypermarket has recently opened in Rahmania Mall wherein Wanzl is the one who designed and executed the turnkey project. Can you share with us your experience in doing this project? What are the highlights you consider in making this great project? Sharjah Coop Rahmania project will always be close to my heart. The project was designed in keeping the local culture and to cater to the local community in the Rahmania district in Sharjah. It is a destination for the whole family to enjoy shopping. The client brief was very clear, design and build a store that has never been implemented in the region focusing on end-users. The Hypermarket emphasizes the fresh section and creates a shop in the shop with a unique Fruit & Veg section showcasing a Truck and Tuk Tuk. It redefines convenience and the term “one-stop” shop. Not only can customers buy fresh produce, but they can also dine in the store. You have to visit the Sharjah Coop Hypermarket in Rahmania Mall in order to experience the live cooking station and the unique shopping experience they offer. One of the main challenges in building the store during the pandemic was to keep all government regulations and precautions in mind as well as the health and safety of workers on site.
Any last words that you would like to share with our readers? Hard Work is important! There is no shortcut to SUCCESS. Work done as a team with an intense desire to achieve is significantly rewarded with gratification and contentment. As a leader in the industry when it comes to quality, our name is our guarantee that we will contribute to the success of our customers with ideas, creativity and service – both now and in the future. Sharjah Coop Hypermarket opens at the Rahmania Mall in Sharjah. Designed and executed as a turnkey project by Wanzl Middle East, March 2021.
RETAIL PEOPLE . APRIL - JUN 2021 .28
