Over 165 retailers open their first Dubai outlets at The Dubai Mall.
on October 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pmDubai, UAE; October 27, 2008: The Dubai Mall, which will open on October 30, 2008 is introducing over 165 exciting new shopping options to Dubai’s expanding retailer offer. These new retailers account for over 1.1 million sq ft in The Dubai Mall- almost 30% per cent of the 3.77 million sq ft of the mall’s total gross leasable area. With many making their Middle East debut, these retailers are entering the Dubai market for the first time or opening up their first standalone stores, revitalising the region’s shopping industry.
The flagship development of Emaar Malls Group, The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destinations featuring over 1,200 retailers. Of these, more than 165 are opening in Dubai or the Middle East region for the very first time, offering a fresh international retail mix that spans fashion and apparel, accessories to homewares, jewellery and entertainment concepts.
Galeries Lafayette, the prestigious French retailer and Bloomingdale’s, America’s leading department store are confirmed key anchors, marking the first time each retailer will be opening a store outside their country of origin. Hamley’s, London’s famous toy store is launching their Middle East flagship store in The Dubai Mall to the delight of children and families across Dubai.
A 55,304 sq ft Waitrose, ‘voted Britain’s best high street retailer’, is the mall’s anchor supermarket and the largest in the growing Downtown Burj Dubai development. Waitrose in The Dubai Mall will be the first ever store outside the UK, and a regional first. Expected to have a loyal following in Dubai, Waitrose’s commitment to freshness and innovative, quality food products will be on offer in its bakery, butchery, fishmongers and market-style fresh fruit and vegetable area.
Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said: “The Dubai Mall is not only revolutionising the shopping mall experience, but providing a revitalising boost to the city’s retail offer by introducing over 165 new stores from around the globe. To deliver a fresh retail experience, it was important for us to bring in names that are new to the region. Therefore, we developed partnerships with leading international retailers for opening their doors for the very first time here. These top names in the retail industry will further enhance Dubai’s reputation as one of the prime shopping and leisure destinations in the world.”
Kinokuniya, is a bookstore chain originating in Japan with widespread global presence. Already popular in Australia, Far East Asia and the United States, Kinokuniya makes its Middle East debut with a 68,850 sq ft store in The Dubai Mall. Featuring tens of thousands of quality publications across multiple languages, Kinokuniya will be one of the largest bookstores in Dubai.
Retailers opening in Dubai for the first time, or opening up their first-stand alone store at The Dubai Mall cover a range of product categories including fashion, jewellery, food and beverage, home furnishings and specialty stores. Alberta Ferretti, Joseph, Alexander McQueen, Manolo Blahnik, Agent Provocateur, Galliano, Tom Ford and Lanvin are leading names in the fashion sector. Armani/Casa, Walentowski Gallery and Bloomingdale’s furniture offer first-time services in home furniture, while Burj Al Hamam, Fauchon Café, Rainforest Café, Café Nero, MBCo (Montreal Bread Company), Vapiano, Carluccio’s, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Roadster Diner and The Noodle Factory add to the food and beverage roster.
Bubbles & Giggles, Armani Junior, Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Kids Puzzle, Theopille & Patachou and Cacharel Paris are new names in children’s and maternity wear, while Jacob & Co, Piaget Boutique and Panerai are new entrants in the watches and jewellery sector.
Emaar Retail has also announced a strategic partnership with Armani/Casa to develop Armani/Casa stores across the UAE, with the first and flagship store at The Dubai Mall. On the leisure side are SEGA Republic®, an exciting indoor theme park; the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; the world’s largest indoor Gold Souk; KidZania®, a unique children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept; and a 22-screen Cineplex, REEL Entertainment, which is a joint venture between Cathay Organisation and Emaar Retail.
Over 1.1 million sq ft of gross leasable area dedicated to new retailers or first-time standalone stores, Fashion, accessories, food and beverage, homewares, jewellery stores and entertainment among the unique retail mix.
The Dubai Mall has a total area of 12.1 million sq ft, with an internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft and a gross leasable space of 3.77 million sq ft. It will feature more than 1,200 stores and over 160 food & beverage outlets. There are over 14,000 undercover car park spaces and the adjoining The Address, Dubai Mall luxury 5-star hotel with 250 rooms and 450 serviced residences. The Dubai Mall expects an estimated 30 million visitors within the first year of trade.
