Carrefour launches 'Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore', the world’s first sail thru supermarket, serving boaters and beachgoers

Dubai Boat Show

Dubai shopping centre Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled the world's first sail thru supermarket, the ‘Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore’

Dubai shopping centre Majid Al Futtaim launched the ‘Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore’, yesterday (11 December).

The sail thru supermarket is open six days a week from 10am to 6pm (subject to weather conditions) and uses the the custom-built Aqua Pod to serve customers on yachts, jet-skis and on three selected beaches in Dubai: Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach and Al Sufouh Beach.

Carrefour Aqua Pod can deliver 300 products onboard ranging from hot and cold snacks, ice cream, fresh food and beverages to selected non-food items like sunscreen and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

To place an order, boaters in small vessels can sail up to the Aqua Pod and order at the window counter, pay and receive their packed items. Customers on larger yachts in the area or on the selected beaches can phone through their order by dialling 056 400 3659 or via the ‘Aqua Pod’ app (Android and iOS compatible) and a skiff will deliver their order within a 45-minute target delivery time.

Designed and created by Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS), in Dubai, Aqua Pod is powered by rechargeable batteries, and has been built and designed with the environment in mind.

Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is also committed to clean the nearby waters clean by using a seabin, which is attached to the exterior of the Aqua Pod and vacuums in any floating debris into its holding tank. The refuse is then safely disposed of once docked on shore. The Aqua Pod can also convert grid water in its holding tank to potable water using a built-in purifier, eliminating the need for plastic bottles on board.
Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore will also only provide customers with biodegradable paper straws and bags and encourage them to dispose of any waste from their purchases in a responsible and eco-friendly manner.

Commenting on the launch, Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: “Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is a world-first for Carrefour and our industry. More than ever, a successful business depends on continually reinventing itself to stay ahead of customer needs and expectations. Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is an innovation underpinned by a clear business strategy based on ‘customers first’, and aligned with our vision to create great moments for everyone, every day.”

Miguel Povedano, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operational Excellence of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, added: “With Dubai’s stunning coastline being enjoyed by millions of people each year, it is a natural next step to cater to our customers with relevant products in a locale where they are not currently being served. It’s exciting to know that we can reach our customers anywhere whether it be land or sea, and we can’t wait to delight them with this world-first service.”