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They say there’s no place like home and I couldn’t agree more after visiting the new Home Centre in East Riffa’s Oasis Mall. I was completely charmed by this impressive 43,000 sq/ft outlet that left me feeling relaxed and happy after my early morning shopping experience.
When I first entered the store I was struck by an immediate sensory ‘hit’ and was drawn like a moth to the bright water foundation and garden décor items. It felt more like a Zen garden than a home store.
Candles, tea lights, votives, vases, pottery and faux flowers were scattered around the foundations with lights and sparkle. In this region water displays and other nature decorative items are big sellers because people love to make the most of the otherwise barren landscape surrounding their homes. However, the major magnet for shoppers is the bedding and kitchen department and the price point is very competitive. I noticed a combination of value for money and quality right away.
One of the fastest selling items is the pearl-like green lotus tea light holder for only BD1.2. The store manager told me that at least 50 units were being snatched up by eager shoppers each day.
Trendy bright colours and creative visual displays add excitement to the shopping experience and the modern, open concept works well. This new style layout gives way to an easy transition from department to department and flows effortlessly to the check-out till. Each department zone has its own ‘visual hit’ that gives customers a sample of what is being offered in that department. It makes it really easy to find what you are looking for and offers inspiration as you shop.
There are highlighted displays with sample items as well throughout the sections in order to touch and measure for size. For example, the pillow covers were displayed in convenient hanging racks to show all colours and fabric available.
The visual displays were so attractive and offered multiple style options from modern, transitional to traditional Arabic elegance and offered coordinating colours, patterns and fabric. I admired the re-creation of personal living spaces that I could visualise fitting into my own home.
Throughout the store you will find many sample bay (cubicle) rooms that give inspiration and ideas to re-create any living room, dining and bedroom style to fit every budget.
One cool customer lay down on a display bed and snuggled up to try it for size and fell asleep. After a couple of hours in snooze-ville he awoke, proclaimed the mattress an overwhelming success and bought the whole unit!
For those that are in a style-rut, Home Centre’s bay designs will help keep you wide awake. If you like how they have decorated one of their sample bays all you need is to give the staff that room number and they will collect, ship, and install it all for you in the same way as you spotted it ‘in-store’. The store team will even go as far as to give the pantone paint colour used for the room.
At the end of my tour I was guided to ‘Inspire Zone’ which showcases new arrivals and current style trends in interior home design.
