Debenhams grows Middle East presence with Oman launch

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 13, 2019

British department store Debenhams has opened two new locations in its biggest international region, the Middle East.

The franchise openings include the retailer’s first ever space in Oman, which takes its presence to eight countries in the region.

The Oman store is in the newly-opened Mall Of Muscat, which aims to attract visitors from all over the world with the largest aquarium in the Middle East. Trading on 34,374 sq ft, the store opened on Thursday 5 September.

Also opening last week was Debenhams’ new store in The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi as part of the centre’s expansion. The 75,073 sq ft department store is managed by local partner Alshaya.

The stores, which follow the Debenhams Redesigned concept, take the retailer’s total number of locations in the Middle East region to 29.

They carry the Designers at Debenhams range, featuring British fashion designers such as Julien MacDonald, Preen and Savannah Miller, offer in-store services such as personal shopping and beauty treatments and host casual dining options.

Jess Shepherd, Debenhams Director of Digital & International, commented: “Our customers in Middle Eastern markets now have two more locations to shop with us in malls that represent the best of shopping in the region. Our longstanding partnership with Alshaya continues to present expansion opportunities in a region where our mix of Designer and high street British brands resonates well with local customers.”

Last year, sales in Debenhams’ international business fell 4.6% as the company fell the effect of several closures and the exit from two low-growth markets in Eastern Europe.

Debenhams has further franchise stores in the Philippines, Australia, Armenia, Latvia, Estonia, Malta and Malaysia.