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29 March 2024

Enoc's retail arm franchises ZOOM in UAE

Published
By VM Sathish

Emirates National Oil Company has embarked on an overhaul of its outlets across the UAE.

Enoc is franchising its signature ZOOM convenience stores and Pronto, a fresh food and gourmet coffee concept.

Abdullah Al Huraimel, Franchise Sales and Marketing Manager, Enoc Retail Systems (ERS) told 'Emirates24|7': “ERS - the retail division of Enoc - owns  Zoom convenience stores; Pronto, a fresh food and gourmet coffee concept; and Saquella - an Italian Café founded in 1856.

“Developed by Enoc in 2009, ZOOM currently operates six stores at the Dubai Metro stations and plans to open 43 units in Metro stations by 2012 in addition to the convenience stores at Enoc stations," he said.

He added that all the Starmart and MiniMart stores within Eppco outlets in Dubai are currently being rebranded as ZOOM. “Once the rebranding in the Eppco stations are completed, we will re-brand the Aqua outlets at Enoc stations, too," said Huraimel.

“To promote the franchising, a dedicated website, www.enocretailsystems.com has been set up, and a full-fledged marketing initiative will commence by 2012. The response has been encouraging," he said.

A franchisee evaluation form must be submitted, and due diligence is undertaken to ensure that all requirements are met. "Ideally, the franchisees must have access to suitable premises, small business management experience, good people skills, financial backing, and understanding of basic business management practices. Corporate franchisees are expected to have existing retail operations, should be already serving a niche or are market leaders and represent the best business opportunity for Enoc.The franchises are designed in such a way that even potential dealers with little experience can professionally manage it. It is also part of our long term strategy to establish ZOOM and Pronto as premier providers of retail experiences across the Middle East," he said.

“ERS started franchising ZOOM, Pronto and Saquella in mid-2011, and already has four franchisees," he said.

About 4,500 employees work in various convenient stores. Those who worked in stations that have been closed in Sharjah have been deployed to other locations in Enoc/Eppco retail network and there is no immediate retrenchment plan, Huraimel added.

Enoc also operates automotive-related services such as Tasjeel and AutoPro.