UAE-based retail giant Lulu Group International has announced plans to build what will be India’s largest shopping mall in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Known for its extensive chain of malls across India, Lulu Group’s latest venture will further bolster its presence in the country’s retail sector.
As reported by the Nativeplanet headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Lulu Group operates malls in major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow, and Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to these, the group has announced ambitious plans for new malls in various states.
In 2022, Lulu Group unveiled its plans to expand its retail footprint in India by opening 12 new malls. Of these, six are slated for Uttar Pradesh cities, including Noida, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, with a combined investment of ₹4,500 crore.
Ahmedabad is now set to become the site of the group’s largest project yet. Lulu Group has confirmed that the upcoming Ahmedabad mall will involve an estimated investment of ₹4,000 crore ($480 million) and will create approximately 3,000 jobs in the region. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with the group receiving strong support from the central government and the Ministry of Commerce.
Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali expressed his excitement about the expansion in India. Speaking in September 2023, Ali shared that the Ahmedabad mall, along with another planned in Chennai, will be among the group’s largest projects in the country. The land for the Ahmedabad project has already been acquired, and the development is set to reshape the retail landscape in Gujarat.
Ali emphasized the group’s commitment to providing employment and world-class shopping experiences in India. “This is one of the biggest projects we have started. It is about 3,50,000 square feet, and 3,000 young boys and girls are working here. I am very happy to give employment to my fellow citizens,” he told ANI.
Lulu Group has already established a solid foothold in India’s retail market with malls in six key cities:
- Bengaluru: Known for its thriving tech industry, Bengaluru’s Lulu Mall offers a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience, attracting both locals and tourists.
- Coimbatore: This bustling city in Tamil Nadu is a growing economic hub, and Lulu Mall in Coimbatore has quickly become a popular destination for shoppers, offering a wide array of products and services.
- Hyderabad: Telangana’s capital, rich in history and culture, hosts Lulu Mall, a favorite spot for families and shoppers seeking a mix of retail and entertainment.
- Kochi: One of Lulu Group’s largest malls, located in the port city of Kochi, Kerala, is a major attraction for both locals and visitors with its wide range of shops and dining options.
- Lucknow: The capital city of Uttar Pradesh is home to a Lulu Mall that offers a modern shopping experience, featuring a mix of international and domestic brands.
- Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s scenic capital boasts a Lulu Mall that has quickly become a shopping and entertainment hub for the region, attracting both residents and tourists.
In addition to its retail expansion, Lulu Group is also eyeing growth in other sectors, including food processing across different Indian states. The group’s focus on diversifying its investments highlights its long-term commitment to the Indian market.
The upcoming mall in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone for Lulu Group’s operations in India. With an estimated investment of ₹4,000 crore and an expected size of 3,50,000 square feet, it will not only be India’s largest shopping mall but will also play a critical role in boosting the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development.
The new mall project, supported by the government, reflects Lulu Group’s ongoing efforts to enhance its footprint in India’s retail and entertainment sectors. With more projects lined up and existing malls performing well, Lulu Group is poised to strengthen its role as a leader in the Indian retail landscape.