Middle East news and archive

Primark to enter Middle East via Alshaya Group deal

Budget retailer Primark has confirmed plans to enter the Middle East via a new partnership with retail franchise operator, Alshaya Group. The duo, which had first announced their strategic partnership in 2024, are planning to open four stores across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The openings will start with a new store at The...

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Business

Ann Summers strikes partnership with Liwa to expand into Middle East

Lingerie label Ann Summers has established a new franchise agreement with Liwa Trading Enterprises as it sets about expanding into the Middle East. Through the strategic partnership, Ann Summers’ lingerie products will become available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, with Liwa to serve as the...

Fashion

Fashion Trust Arabia to host annual awards ceremony in Marrakech

The Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) is to host its next award show in Marrakech in October, the organisation said. Last year’s awards were held in Doha, Qatar. Unique in the Arab world, the FTA stands as a pivotal non-profit organization, providing crucial financial backing, expert guidance, and mentorship to burgeoning designers hailing from the...

Retail

FitFlop opens largest store in the Middle East

UK-based ergonomic and wellness footwear brand FitFlop is continuing its international expansion in key strategic markets with the opening of its largest retail space in the Middle East to date. The store in Abu Dhabi is the latest launch in the brand’s elevated, global retail programme, building on the existing 145 standalone FitFlop stores...

Retail|In Pictures

Lalage Beaumont opens its first store outside the UK

British handbag and ready-to-wear designer Lalage Beaumont London has opened a standalone boutique in Mode Mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The opening marks the first Lalage Beaumont store outside the UK, building on the success within the region with stockists Saks Fifth Avenue in Bahrain, Tryano in Abu Dhabi, and Shoes and Handbags Fifty One...

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Business

China’s rebound and Middle East’s rise to drive luxury market next year

While the luxury market remained fairly consistent throughout the course of the pandemic, the sector is still set to embark on a notable increase as consumers from various regions up their spending. This is according to the ninth edition of the Altagamma Consumer and Retail Insight, a Milan-based event hosted by Altagamma chairman Mattero...

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Business

JD Sports enters Middle East with new franchise deal

JD Sports has begun its expansion in the Middle East through a new franchise agreement with Dubai-headquartered company GMG. The British sportswear retailer has been looking to enter the region as part of its five-year global growth strategy, through which it stated that it had its sights set on underpenetrated markets. The 10-year agreement...

People

Yoox Net-a-Porter appoints Celine Lefebvre as general manager for Middle East

Online luxury and fashion retailer Yoox Net-a-Porter (YNAP) has announced the appointment of Celine Lefebvre as general manager for the Middle East with effect from 23rd May 2023. Lefebvre brings more than 20 years of experience in global brand management, sales, marketing and business development and joins YNAP from self-founded consultancy...

Retail

The Alkemistry launches first pop-up in the Middle East

London-based fine jewellery brand The Alkemistry has launched its first pop-up in the Middle East. The pop-up will be located within Galeries Lafayette in Doha, Qatar from this November and will showcase new designs from The Alkemistry’s most popular female designers alongside their very own unique and creative collections, as well as exclusive...

Featured

Retail

Dolce & Gabbana debut hijab range

Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana have unveiled their first hijab collection, created especially for the Muslim community. Muslim women cover their heads and arms as a dress code prescribed by Islam, however their fashion needs have been largely neglected by brands. Muslims make up 22 percent of the world’s population and 5 percent of the UK’s,...