Supermarket Supremo

“Retail is a people’s business. When building a retail brand or the right retail approach, it is important to understand the psyche of the people. Here, it is important to look at your internal team alongside decoding the customer. People power shines brighter with honesty, allowing businesses to grow. If you treat your people well alongside the customer, then it will always percolate deeper into accounting for your business success. In essence, the West Zone Group stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to enriching lives of customers, shaping a more promising tomorrow for generations to come,” stated Naresh Kumar Bhawnani Founder & Chairman West Zone Group during an exclusive interview with IMAGES RetailME.

West Zone Group at a glance

• Founded on December 2, 2005 by Naresh Kumar Bhawnani, coinciding with the UAE’s National Day.
• Started with a single store in Mirdif, Dubai, and rapidly expanded.
• 100 supermarkets by 2020.
• Currently, over 150 locations across the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman.
• Reached the billions-AED turnover milestone in 2023.
• 5,000+ employees.

Leading the growth

Fuelled by a passion for retail instilled in him from a young age, Bhawnani’s career has been defined by unwavering discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership has steered the West Zone Group through a period of unprecedented growth and diversification. Beyond supermarkets, the Group’s portfolio now encompasses hypermarkets, logistics facilities, malls, real estate ventures, technology initiatives and hospitality ventures.

Commenting on the Group’s growth, Bhawnani said, “We never went to explore USPs, but always tried understanding the market closely. Dubai was growing, when we planned to launch West Zone. We felt that it was an opportune time for the grocery ecosystem and the need for grocery and convenience store was much in demand in this growing economy. We just rode along the rising wave and everything else fell in place.”

Commitment to the future

West Zone Supermarket’s vision extends beyond mere business success. The Group is deeply entrenched in the ethos of social responsibility, championing various CSR initiatives aimed at uplifting communities in India and the UAE. Bhawnani’s belief in giving back to the society underscores his commitment to fostering customer happiness and satisfaction, in addition to nurturing young talent, advocating for environmental conservation and innovation.

Outlook for growth

With a futuristic vision and a growth outlook, the West Zone Group has undertaken progressive projects in areas of digital transformation, human resources and sustainability. By implementing SAP, converting traditional online into automated modern user-friendly mobile app and establishing a brand-new state-of-the-art logistics facility in Dubai Industrial Park, the Group has enhanced efficiency and customer convenience, ensuring seamless processes and exceptional shopping experiences.

With a positive growth outlook, the West Zone Group is poised for double digit expansion in 2023 and beyond, driven by robust expansion strategy, innovative initiatives and a customer-centric approach.

Behind the aisles

Born in a middle-class family in Madhya Pradesh, India, Bhawnani began understanding the world of business from a very young age and started selling fruits as a part-time feat while he was still in school. He continued to struggle until he turned 19. Deciding to take his fate in his own hand, Bhawnani applied for jobs in Dubai and planned to move out of India. He settled for a job at a supermarket in Dubai for a salary of AED400.

Growing through ranks and experience, Bhawnani realised that the supermarket business is his true calling and that’s when he fell in love with retail. While the start was hard, blessed with a supportive family Bhawnani gave shape to his dream of setting up his own supermarket business. He collected 25+ million from his close relatives to start the business, with a promise to return them their money with interest and profits within a few years of starting business.

Cut to the present, Bhawnani oversees a workforce of more than 5,000 employees at West Zone, an empire he has built with his vision and hard work.

Meet the Man behind the aisles

Who is the real Naresh Kumar Bhawnani: An achiever.

What is your biggest strength: I’m a quick thinker and fast decisionmaker.

Your strongest pillars in life: My mother and my wife.

You believe in…Working as a team.

What motivates you: Travelling, a good evening spent with family and friends.

Your favourite travel destination: London

What does your weekly grocery list look like: My grocery list always includes a selection of specialty roastery items.

Your favourite food: Indian & Lebanese