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Press Release

Bahrain’s most promising online shopping platform, HOMIEZ, saw a 400% growth in sales activity last month, as people in Bahrain and around the world flocked to the safe online shopping for daily needs in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. With nearly 100,000 shopping items on display and 200 shops listed including large hypermarkets, HOMIEZ has been the most popular, comprehensive and readiest online shopping platform to serve Bahrain’s community during the current pandemic crisis.

HOMIEZ’ success story has been built on the marriage of Al-Salam’s competitive retail strength and market share in the domain of home appliances and gadgets, with the great passion of Digisphere Marketplace WLL, the builders of eCommerce architectures and retail platforms. The two entities joined forces to establish HOMIEZ.ME in 2018.

With the startup’s business operations maturing impressively in the last two years, and Al- Salam Gas & Electronics’ drive towards online operations accelerating, the latter has decided to fully acquire HOMIEZ.ME platform. HOMIEZ is the commercial brand of Digisphere Solutions WLL, the joint-venture between Al Salam Gas & Electronics and Digisphere Marketplace WLL. Following the full acquisition by Al Salam, the name of Digisphere Solutions has been changed to Al Salam eCommerce Services WLL.

In a statement following the acquisition agreement signing, Al Salam’s CEO Mr. Fadhel Al Bunni said: “HOMEIZ.ME is now fully owned by Al Salam Gas & Electronics Group. Being able to deploy an efficient and well-known digital arm like HOMIEZ is so vital as we focus on expanding our reach to all segments and areas of Bahrain.” 

“We’ve seen it for our business, but also for a big number of businesses and shops that are present on the platform, how much further leverage, customer reach and volume a platform like HOMIEZ can bring to a business,” explained Mr. Al Bunni.

“The acquisition is part of our constant passion to deliver the widest range of products and solutions to customers under one roof. HOMIEZ has given us this model, by creating a virtual market that includes not just Al Salam, but hundreds of local and foreign stores and customer products of all kinds,” said Al Salam CEO.

He also explained that businesses of all sorts and sizes cannot afford to ignore a strong digital presence if they seek growth and expansion. “With one of the world’s highest smart phone penetration and per capita income, as well as an increasing digital lifestyle, the GCC region has been seeing a booming double-digit growth in online retail revenue. According to an international study, they are expected to grow to US$48 billion in 2021, from US$18 billion in 2015,” elaborated Mr. Al Bunni.

“What makes us really proud about HOMIEZ is that it is run by a group of young passionate Bahrainis who have developed tremendous talent and efficiency in this new business,” he pointed out.

“Further, HOMIEZ has empowered several local startups and young entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and products conveniently, benefiting from the immense capabilities offered by modern digital commerce platforms,” he added.

It’s worth mentioning that HOMIEZ has completed all requirements for obtaining ISO 9001 quality certification, which made it the first Bahraini online shopping platform that adopts the highest quality standards in its administrative and operational systems.

Following the acquisition, the founding partner ‘Digisphere Marketplace’ will continue its digital projects, as it focuses on building Hardhats.ME, a platform that is specialized in serving the construction and industrial sectors.

Mr. Fadel Al-Bunni hailed the great support provided by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Trade, Industry & Tourism, H.E. Mr. Zayed Al-Zayani, to encourage the private-sector adoption of electronic commerce, so that Bahrain is rightly and strongly positioned in the world’s digital economy.