One of the largest malls in India – Lulu Mall in Kochi was inaugurated by Kerala State Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a glittering function on 10 March, 2013. The Chief Minister inaugurated the mall with the traditional ribbon cutting and also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the grand opening of the mall. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly VS Achuthanandan was the chief guest of the event, which was attended by Union Minister Vayalar Ravi, who as the guest of honor cut the ceremonial cake to mark the occasion. Shaikh Abdulla Al Saleh, UAE Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade who was also the guest of honor launched the mall manual. Also present were Union Minister Prof. KV Thomas who launched Lulu loyalty card, state minister PK Kunhali Kutty who launched Lulu Mall website. TKA Nair, Adviser to the Prime Minister launched a mall guide on the occasion. The opening ceremony was also attended by leaders of various political parties, government officials and a large crowd of well-wishers. Lulu group managing director Yusuff Ali MA welcomed the gathering and Executive Director Ashraf Ali MA tendered vote of thanks.
After the inauguration, Oommen Chandy, VS Achuthanandan, Shaikh Abdulla Al Saleh, Vayalar Ravi, Prof. KV Thomas and other dignitaries toured various sections of the newly built mall and congratulated group
managing director Yusuff Ali MA on the successful completion of the mall
and for providing the latest family shopping destination to the citizens and
residents of the state.
Lulu Mall is a 2.5 million sq. ft complex in 17 acres and spread over three levels. The mall is complete with a full line of amenities and facilities which includes best of international luxury and lifestyle brands, well-appointed food court that serves international cuisines, coffee shops, money exchange, dine-in outlets, 22,000 sq. ft entertainment zone, 5,000 sq. ft Ice Rink that is first of its kind in South India, prayer halls, baby care centre among other facilities. The shopping mall which was built with an investment of INR 1,600 Crore is expected to become the family shopping destination of choice for residents and tourists as well. The architecturally excellent mall designed by WS Atkins, UK based consultants, has a parking capacity for 3000 cars with easy access from all the main roads. Well placed escalators, elevators, travelators and walkways make it easy for shoppers, diners, and fun lovers to get from one point of the mall to another.
Located in Edapally, Kochi at the intersection of three important highways of Kerala: NH 47, NH 17 and the Kochi by-pass, the mall is within the easy reach of almost all landmarks and prominent facilities covering health centers and accommodation options. Furthermore it is within close proximity to almost all transport facilities, including Cochin International Airport and railway station. Also, within the mall’s expansive campus is the The Marriott - a magnificent 300 room hotel that caters to the unique accommodation needs of visitors and tourists to the God’s own country.
In addition, and in true tradition of Lulu stores across the Gulf, the mall will feature the widest choice of world class brands at the fairest prices and also offer a whole world of shopping with a good selection of brands and product lines under one roof. To give a Keral touch to the mall a special area has been designated to promote Keral products and handicrafts. The Mall will generate 8000 direct jobs and more than 20000 indirect job opportunities.
Lulu's winning formula of value for money quality shopping will be a matter of delight for the residents who will cherish the pleasurable shopping experience and the economy it offers. Lulu Hypermarket, Lulu Celebrate, Lulu Connect, Westside, PVR Cinemas are the anchor stores of the mall. Nine cinema screens with a total capacity of 2,250 seats will open in the mall by early April.
Inside the mall, there is a food court with a capacity for 3500 people and 18 food counters. The first McDonald's Restaurant in Kerala will be opened at Lulu Mall. The mall will have a 5-D cinema hall, bowling alleys, water rides and electronic games. The other facilities include ATM, money exchange, pharmacy, travel and holiday’s desk and a Federal Bank branch functioning in the mall.
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