Qatar-based Ansar Group of Companies is planing to open its second mall in Bahrain within six months having seen a better than expected response in the kingdom.

Ansar Gallery in Tubli, currently the company's sole presence in the kingdom, was launched four years ago at an initial investment of more than BD6 million ($15.7 million).

The mall turned cash positive only after a year of operations much faster than expected, officials told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication, on the sidelines of the launch of its fourth anniversary celebrations.

The company has made an additional investment of BD2 million recently to upgrade and improve its facilities. "We have seen sales growth of more than 15 per cent on last year," deputy general manager Sultan Altaa said.

"Our market share has also increased correspondingly from 9pc last year to more than 11.36 per cent this year," he stated.

According to assistant general manager Isa Amralla, the company currently employs 550 staff in its Bahrain operations, of whom 25 per cent are Bahraini. "We continuously strive to improve the Bahrainisation level," he added.

Altaa said as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations,the company has launched a scratch-and-win offer for customers with 5,555 gifts on offer.

"Apart from this, we have 50 per cent 'get back on purchase' offers and a chance to win six Nissan cars through raffle draws.

"The company has also decided to expand its social activities with the launch of 'Green Bahrain-Clean Bahrain' campaign in addition to blood donation activities.

"We are also planning to start activities to protect the environment from hazardous plastics," he said.

Showroom manager Yehia Mohammed was also present on the occasion along with management officials and staff.-TradeArabia News Service