Kuwait is a small but wealthy country in the Middle East, with a population of approximately 4.8 million people. Retail and consumer issues in Kuwait are largely shaped by the country’s high levels of wealth, as well as its unique cultural and economic factors. In this article, we will explore the typical opening hours of shops in Kuwait, forms of payment accepted, major supermarkets, online shopping websites, shops for expats, and consumer rights in Kuwait.
Typical Opening Hours of Shops in Kuwait and Forms of Payment Accepted
The typical opening hours of shops in Kuwait vary depending on the type of store and the location. Generally, shops in Kuwait are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week, with some shops in malls open until midnight. During Ramadan, the opening hours of shops may be shortened.
In Kuwait, cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment. However, credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger shops and malls.
Major Supermarkets in Kuwait
There are several major supermarkets in Kuwait, including:
- Carrefour: Carrefour is a French multinational retail corporation and is one of the largest supermarket chains in Kuwait. They offer a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items.
- Lulu Hypermarket: Lulu Hypermarket is a popular supermarket chain in Kuwait that offers a variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, and household items. They also have a section dedicated to international products.
- Sultan Center: Sultan Center is a Kuwaiti supermarket chain that offers a range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items. They also have a section dedicated to organic and health food products.
- City Center: City Center is a popular shopping mall in Kuwait that includes a large supermarket offering a variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, and household items.
Online Shopping in Kuwait
Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Kuwait, with several websites offering a variety of products. Some of the main online shopping websites in Kuwait include:
- Amazon: Amazon is a popular online shopping website that offers a variety of products, including electronics, books, and household items.
- Ubuy: Ubuy is an online shopping website that offers a variety of products, including electronics, fashion, and household items.
- Xcite: Xcite is an online shopping website that offers a variety of products, including electronics, appliances, and beauty products.
- DesertCart: DesertCart is an online shopping website that offers a variety of products, including electronics, fashion, and household items.
Shops for Expats in Kuwait
There are several shops in Kuwait that cater specifically to expats and offer international products. Some of these shops include:
- The Sultan Center: The Sultan Center has a section dedicated to international products, including food and household items from around the world.
- Lulu Hypermarket: Lulu Hypermarket also has a section dedicated to international products, including food and household items from around the world.
- Dean & Deluca: Dean & Deluca is a high-end grocery store in Kuwait that offers a variety of international products, including gourmet food items and specialty products.
- Grand Hypermarket: Grand Hypermarket is a supermarket chain in Kuwait that offers a variety of international products, including food, household items, and electronics.
Consumer Rights in Kuwait
As a consumer in Kuwait, you have several rights that are protected by the government. These include:
- The right to a safe and healthy environment
- The right to information and education about products and services
- The right to fair prices and quality products
- The right to file complaints and seek redress for any grievances
Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) is the main organization responsible for protecting the rights of consumers in Kuwait. It is an independent government agency that handles consumer complaints and works to ensure fair trade practices. You can contact the CPA at:
Consumer Protection Agency (CPA)
Address: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, P.O. Box 56 Safat 13001, Kuwait
Phone: 22457000
Email: info@cpa.gov.kw
Website: http://www.cpa.gov.kw/