Carrefour launches world's first sail thru supermarket

Jet skiers and passengers in small sailing crafts can sail up to the Aqua Pod and order at the window counter.

Adventure seekers at sea wont have to worry about feeling hungry or running out of sunscreen, as Majid Al Futtaim on Wednesday unveiled 'Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore', the world's first sail thru supermarket.
The custom-built Aqua Pod is designed to serve customers on yachts, and jet-skis on Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach, and Al Sufouh Beach in Dubai. Operational six days a week from 10am to 6pm, subject to fair weather conditions, the pod features over 300 products on-board ranging from hot and cold snacks, ice cream, fresh food and beverages to selected non-food items like sunscreen and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Jet skiers and passengers in small sailing crafts can sail up to the Aqua Pod and order at the window counter, pay and receive their packed items. Customers on larger sailing vessels in the area or on the selected beaches can phone through their order, or place it via the 'Aqua Pod' app and a skiff will then deliver their order within a 45-minute target delivery time.
"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," said Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail.
Miguel Povedano, chief operating officer and head of Operational Excellence of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: "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."
The Aqua Pod is designed and created by Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS) in Dubai, and has been built and designed with an eco-friendly focus. It is powered by rechargeable batteries, which will allow it to cruise out to sea and back. Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore will also contribute to cleaner waters around Dubai via its '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. Lastly, the Aqua Pod can convert grid water in its holding tank to potable water using a built-in purifier, eliminating the need for plastic bottles on board.
In keeping with Majid Al Futtaim's wider commitment to sustainability and Net Positivity, Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore will only provide customers with biodegradable paper straws and bags and encourage customers to dispose any waste from their purchases in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com