The move is part of Al-Futtaim’s efforts to support both homegrown and international businesses, to expand their footprint.
“Festival Plaza’s ‘Ready to Lease’ units are commercial spaces that will give prospective tenants and businesses the flexibility of adding final finishing touches and furnishings to a white box space without having to bear the cost of large overheads or full fitout expenditures,” an emailed statement said.
“Over the past few years we’ve seen exponential growth in online retail shopping and sales. However, this has not hindered the traditional shopping experience, with consumers looking to spend time enjoying the simple pleasures that they did not have access to for a long period of time,” Al-Futtaim Malls’ UAE general manager Hayssam Hajjar said.
Hajjar added: “In tandem, we understand that economically, it is not the easiest time to set up a retail business and watch it thrive without expensive overheads and requiring immense capital. We felt it was our duty as a community mall to give back to the budding community of SMEs and entrepreneurs, being part of their journey to expand their successful brands, no matter the size or years in business. Just as we do with our customers, we look to offer businesses and brands unique and diverse opportunities and offerings.”
Businesses and entrepreneurs can take advantage of a “fully prepped space” which includes lighting, flooring and painted surfaces, air-conditioning, ventilation, ready for merchandise and branding in a matter of few weeks.
They can also set up stores at the mall’s available units, without the need for “extensive upfront capital” or any “overheads or setup costs,” the statement said, adding that selected units will be available for check-in and trade during H1 2023 at Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali.
