Qumma - From Desert to Rose (June 3rd - The CocoWalk)

[gmavignier]

One word only AMAZING! I wonder how well this represent the city you live or if it's just your imagination running wild. Either way congratulations.

Cheers

[nedalezz]

UPDATE TWENTY-THREE
EMBASSIES IN FURSAN

With the beginning of official diplomatic relations with West End, the PSSO, and the Liberty Islands must come designated embassies for the respective countries in Qumma. Just opposite of the University of Liberty Islands in Qumma, 3 distinctive buildings have been constructed with the aim of housing the Embassies of three countries above.

All three countries are now invited to pick which building they would prefer; please note, this is on a first come, first serve basis. We hope all will be happy with the buildings they have been assigned to, and the QEC hopes this will continue to further grow the relationship between itself and the three countries.

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HIGHLIGHT: CHAMPION STORES

Today, we are going to highlight Qumma's top retail company: Champion Stores. With 2 branches in the two major towns of Fursan and Khaymeh, it is the top earning retail business in the country. It recent expansion into Khaymeh has been a big success, and it has now successfully penetrated both markets to become the top earner in both.

Champion Stores opened its doors for business 2 Years ago in the 5th Year, just off of Dawa Avenue in Fursan. The owner, Mr. Fouad Kher, a Qumman trader working in Morocco, saw an opportunity in the growing town and jumped on it, initially starting out with groceries, food stuff, household products, and imported vegetables and meats. He sold approximately $3,000 a day during his first year of operation, with running costs of approximately $300 a day, leaving about $700-$800 after cost of goods in his pocket at the end of everyday.

The 6th Year meant bigger business for Kher, but it also meant more competition. The Dollar General opened up right next to Champion Stores in Fursan, and with it came heavy battles in terms of prices due to similar suppliers. Although sales jumped to about $5,000 a day, expenses also rose as profits took a slight dip, keeping final profits at about the same margin. But through the 6th Year, Kher's eyes were on Khaymeh and its development.

With the development of the Berber Dawa Avenue in Khaymeh, in addition to its rapid population growth, Kher was encouraged and acquired a prime piece of land of around 2500 sq. meters on the newly constructed avenue, costing him $250,000 (final cost including construction of the showroom and all totaled almost $700,000). However, upon opening for business in Khaymeh with his 2nd branch in the 7th Year, daily sales in Fursan had jumped to almost $6,000, a number that was soon to be equaled at the 2nd branch.

Business in Khaymeh proved to be just as profitable as Fursan, with the 2nd branch also churning approximately $6,000 a day. On average, Kher will see about $350,000 a month from sales, with a profit margin of around 30%, meaning around $105,000 in total at the end of the month. Take away expenses, which amount to about $25,000 a month, and Kher is left with a cool $80,000 in profit, which equals to $960,000 a year.

Needless to say, Mr. Fouad Kher is making quite a little bit of money, and as a result of some shrewd business decisions, he now owns and operates the largest and biggest earning retail business in Qumma.

Fursan branch.


Khaymeh branch.

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As a final note, I will leave with some sites from around Khaymeh. The rapidly growing town now has almost 25,000 residents, and the growth rate shows no signs of slowing. The Berber Dawa Avenue has seen a lot of commercial activity, with the focal point being the Al-Iman Mosque and the Pearl Hotel, both right next to each other. Development both to the west and east have seen Khaymeh expand, with the population density of the town much higher than that of Fursan.

[Yoman]

Oh that middle building just looks awesome, I'll take that un.

Another excellent update here, we can really see how locally things develope in Qumma, and yet have a national impact. Thats a pretty penny Mr. Kher is making also.

Sorry about the slow progress on those seaport lots, Xiziz has been busy with god knows what, and Im working on one big improvement (lets just say I hate the nice clean concrete underneath coal piles). But I am trying to get them to you as quick as possible.

[Schulmanator]

A nice new update - those embassies look like the perfect place to set up relations.

[Jmouse]

Once again, you've played your hand with a style and decorum so typical but elegant.
The embassies are awesome, and my personal favorite is the one on the right. Maybe one of these days, I'll enjoy the privilege of having one in Qumma as well.
The night shots are stunning, especially the last one (right before HIGHLIGHT: CHAMPION STORES).
I'll admit that seeing a Dollar General in Fursan is a bit jarring, but I understand McDonalds has "invaded" Ghana, so what's new! I wonder, though, if Champions looks anything like your RL stores.
I hope you had a safe and productive business trip.

Until next time...
Joan

[bat]

Wonderful update there! Great pictures of the embassies! Also nice work on the Champion Stores!
And the two overviews are looking fantastic.

[rooker1]

Fantastic update my friend.  My favourite pic is the second last.  So very realistic.  The layout is perfect.  I really could see something like that in Google Earth from some where in the dessert.  Great job, I always love coming to visit this MD.

Robin 

[bokrif]

Nice update, worth the wait.
I like the embassies, and those precise details about growing business in Qumma. Nice.

[thundercrack83]

It's always great to come here and see another fantastic update, nedalezz! The embassies look great, and I love the last two pictures the most! Keep up the amazing work, and I'll be looking forward to seeing what's next!

[gmavignier]

Great update dude. I only recently noticed how realistic your little village in the middle of the desert is. Like the streets don't end together with the houses, they go a bit further as of there were lots at the end of it still to be built. Very nice details.

[paroch]

Hi Nedalezz,

Another great update from you.  It's always interesting to see how Qumma is growing and your stories always add some interest.  I'm sure if the profit margins are that attractive more retail chains will be watching with interest.  Tesco from the UK seem to be expaning into "emerging markets" at the moment!

Your shots of Khaymeh are great.

As for the embassy, they all look good - you've done a nice job there.  The West End ambassador has told me that he would prefer the building on the left (if it's still available).  Gin and Tonic on the roof terrace after a hard day being diplomatic would be awfully pleasant

[pipishere]

Lovely update with the Embassies and the night shot at the end is beautiful!

[nedalezz]

REPLIES

Yoman: The middle one becomes the PSSO Embassy in Qumma Indeed, Mr. Kher is making some nice cash...he's been thinking of investing in overseas real estate, maybe you got something for him

Schulmanator: Thanks! The embassies will become a large part of Fursan's everyday political and diplomatic scene for sure thanks to the relations between the three countries and itself.

Jmouse: Hehehe, actually, they do look a bit like my RL stores I always think of you when I put my nightshots in, and I always try to make a few of them as to impress you! Thank you for the compliments (BTW, McDonalds in Ghana?! Really? I want! I want! I wasnt aware)

bat: Thank you for the encouraging words my friend! I love taking overview shots, Im glad you enjoyed them.

rooker1: Thank you! Its designed after a desert-arabian city, while Fursan is designed after a coastal Mediterrenean city. I travel to the UAE alot, and my inspiration for Khaymeh's layout has been Abu Dhabi.

BoKriF: Congratulations, the Liberty Islands Embassy in Qumma is now officially opened! The white building will suit the LI ambassador just fine, I do believe

thundercrack83: Thank you for the very flattering words! Im glad you liked the embassies; I'll have to admit, it took quite a bit of time trying to choose the right buildings!

gmavignier: Thanks! While Khaymeh draws up inspiritation from an actual place (Abu Dhabi), Fursan is something completely made up, and I'm learning as I go further. As for the village, I'm originally from Lebanon, and my family comes from a village called Kafra in the southern mountains. I took the idea from Kafra, and although its about the furthest thing from being a flat, desert environment (its in a mountain, lots of greenery environment!), the idea was taken from there.

paroch: What the West End ambassador wants, he shall have! West End become the third occupant with the official opening of the West End Embassy in Qumma! And you are right, sitting on that rooftop after a long day of hard work, overlooking the entire city of Fursan, the university, and the Presidential Lane, couldn't get much better than that! Indeed, quite a few businessmen have started applying to set up some sort of retail outlets both in Khaymeh and Fursan. Thanks for the kind words! Was I right about the colours being related to West Ham United? That would give me two things I could name!

pipishere: Merci Beaucoup! I love night shots as well, always like taking them!

[nedalezz]

Well, almost done with the business trip; currently,  I am in Dubai, and I will be back in Ghana at the end of the week, so updates will resume as normal when I get back. Till then, there have been some advancements in Fursan, and here is an aerial picture to wet the appetites a bit!

[thundercrack83]

Stunning teaser, nedalezz--just simply stunning! I hope all is going well on your business trip. Safe travels, and I'll be looking forward to seeing your next update!

[paroch]

Hey Nedalezz,

Your overview pics are always stunning, and no exception here.  Love it.

I hope you're enjoying Dubai, I was there in Decemebr 2006 staying near the Mall of the Emirates with the indoor ski slope.  And good luck to Ghana hosting the African Nations.  I'd be interested to hear about the atmosphere in Ghana during the tournament.

And you were absolutely correct about the West End flag being the English flag with West Ham United's colours instead (Claret and Blue).  I'll PM you with naming right opportunities!!

Have a safe journey home.

Paul

[Jmouse]

Your striking photos and attention to detail are legendary, Nedalezz.
Congratulations on seven successful years for Fursan , and here's looking forward to year number eight!

Until next time...
Joan

[Yoman]

Wow has that city grown quite alot, really awesome there.

Being the idiot I am I've started on another gantry crane (though ten times better than the first), But all thats left is texturing, after that being another idiot who can't just finish what hes started I want to make a few more bulk cranes. If you just want to build the seaport now just tell me and I'll finish what Ive got quick as can be. But I think that these new BATs would improve it alot.

In the meantime maybe Mr. Kher would like to invest in one of several state owned real estate companies (not really companies, give people places to live, collect taxes). He would make some  money from the rents, after it went through the Foreign Relations Department 

Again, I'm terribly sorry about the delays, I just want everything to be as nice as it can be 

[panthersimcity4]

I just love your cities, like an oasis in the desert!

[bat]

Great overview of that part of the region, nedalezz!

Looking forward to more...