The Arab sector is discovering the Israeli market, and unlike in the past, it is not satisfied with Israelis coming to the markets of Acre, Kfar Qasim, Nazareth and Jaljulia, but it is itself spreading its arms to the Jewish sector. And this is not just another bakery, coffee or crackers shop, but a real retail giant.
The King Store chain of supermarkets opened a new store yesterday in the Kiryat Havalet mall on Herzl Street in Ramla, with an investment of NIS 15 million. The chain has been operating for the past decade and has 22 branches across the country that are close to minority centers such as Beer Sheva, Rosh Ha'Ein, Kalanseva, Dalit El-Carmel, Haifa, Acre, Nof HaGilil and more.
In addition to the basket of familiar products, the chain also presented a wide variety of products from the Arab sector, which also includes unique products from producers from Arab and Gulf countries. In the coming years, the chain intends to open several branches in the Central and Sharon regions, with an investment of NIS 100 million.
With the opening of the branch, shoppers stormed it as it was when Carrefour stores opened and within two hours 2,000 visitors were registered.
The chain's CEO, Majdi Katani, told "Maariv": "I believe we are different from other chains. In order to strengthen the economy, it is important to give a real chance to small producers and importers. On our shelves you can find all the products you know and a variety of other products that you won't see in other supermarkets."
Among the unique products are dairy products such as Lavna and Jaban Arabi from boutique dairies in the Arab society. It is also about special salads that come from international producers. Due to kosher considerations, it was decided that the chain stores will not sell alcoholic beverages.
King Store was established in 2010 as a small family company and today it has 21 branches all over the country. Its shares are listed for trading on the stock exchange and its largest shareholder is the Phoenix Group, which owns 20% of its shares. Meanwhile, the new chain for seniors Goodlife continues to grow and yesterday inaugurated a new branch in the Gulf of Haifa. The store was established with an investment of NIS 2 million and will be spread over 500 square meters.
The new branch, which joins the existing branches in Israel, in Jerusalem, in Netanya and in Ramat Gan, was opened in the Chutz Ha'Foretz complex in Haifa.
