Dubai: Get ready to be astounded by the world’s first “Sail-Thru” supermarket
Dubai never ceases to surprise us with something new and unique, and this time they have the world’s first “sail-thru supermarket” – a floating retail shop ready to serve anyone hesitant to leave their boat or yacht to buy groceries, snacks, or other goods.
Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore, a floating grocery housed in a custom-designed “Aqua Pod” tethered at sea, was introduced by retail behemoth Majid Al Futtaim. The Aquatic Architects Design Studio’s “Pod” will serve clients on jet skis and yachts on three particular Dubai beaches: Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach, and Al Sufouh Beach.
There will be more than 300 products available, including both food items like hot and cold snacks and non-food items like sunscreen and medications. Anyone travelling by on a yacht or Jet Ski can place an order and pick it up at the window counter of the boat, or they can order via an app or phone call. Additionally, beachgoers can use the app to have orders delivered right to their hands.
The Pod was created and designed to be eco-friendly, and it operates with rechargeable batteries in keeping with the company’s sustainable objective. The pod’s exterior is equipped with a seabin that vacuums floating trash into its holding tank, where it is disposed of once the boat has docked. The shop will also use biodegradable paper straws and bags to package its goods.
“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,” stated Miguel Povedano, COO of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.
Carrefour Bites & More by the Shore will be open six days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., subject to weather conditions.
“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.”