Gabriel Salomé, General Manager, THE One Qatar. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Leading furniture and home design store, THE One has been ranked number 1 this year for best workplaces in the Middle East by Great Places to Work (GPTW). Securing the top position for a second time in a row, the retail store has entered the 2023 best workplaces list in Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Gabriel Salomé, General Manager at THE One Qatar, lauded the company’s achievements and recognition in GPTW. He said: “It’s a great tool to understand companies when it is about your staff and what they are doing. It will bring a stronger team at the end.”
The retailer operates in four malls across the country including Villagio, Mirqab Mall, Doha Festival City, and Mall of Qatar. Expounding on the range of products offered, Salomé said that “We have an online store on the website and what you see today, probably won’t be up for sale next year due to the surging demand and supplies. It will change colors, fabric, and even design. We try to be trendy and follow the tradition.”
Salomé reflected on the company’s response to COVID-19 as a measure of its commitment to its employees’ safety and wellbeing. According to Salomé, THE One management paved the way for its employees to overcome hurdles imposed by the pandemic by providing basic requirements including food and water and easing their transition online. “Health-wise it was a challenging time, but the company’s performance was amazing. We adapted to the situation and today we learned how to react differently to customers, and the online team got stronger,” he said.
Partnering with several interior design firms in Qatar, THE One anticipates contributing to the growth and stability of the country’s economy. He also emphasised that diversity, inclusion, and a deep commitment to the community are fundamental values that guide the company’s mission. According to Salomé, the company’s commitment to the community is reflected not only in external commitments but also in its internal commitments such as inclusive employment. He outlined that the firm strives to support and uplift Qatar’s special needs by providing inclusive employment opportunities.
As the retail industry in Qatar looks more steady and balanced this year, the official elucidated that towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, the market will witness tremendous achievements. He said, “The country is preparing for Qatar National Vision 2030 and the situation around the world is going to be better in terms of cash flows.”
Attributing the success of the firm in the region towards its employees, Salomé added, “The ranking is not about me as a leader but the staff here. It’s all about the employee and how we deal with and treat them.”
