Al Ghurair signs major retailers ahead of opening

Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai has signed up retail conglomerates Azadea Group, Landmark Group and Al-Futtaim Group to its expansion project. The $545 million (AED2 billion) mall expansion scheduled to open in summer 2013 will have an additional 375,000 sqft of gross leasable retail space with 150 new stores, taking the total number to 350 stores and 855,000 sqft of gross leasable area.

The shop line-up will include major brand names as well as several brands making their UAE debut. Azadea Group, which makes its debut in Al Ghurair Centre, will be bringing seven brands to the expansion, including Piazza Italia, George, Crazy 8, Iam, Calzedonia, Mango Touch and Mango.

Landmark Group, which has stores in the existing mall, will include brands such as Iconic, Max, Koton, Nose, Steve Madden, Funky Fish, Carpisa, Stride Rite, Emax and Max Burger. Al-Futtaim Group will open a Marks & Spencer store, which will offer a wide range of women and children’s clothing. Saudi Arabia-based Alhokair Group will operate the family entertainment centre Sparky’s in the mall.

Other major retail groups operating at Al Ghurair Centre include Apparel Group, Rivoli Group, Alshaya Group and Jashanmal Group.

“The plan was to bring in a mix of popular brands that are well known in this market and new brands that have a strong international track record. We see an opportunity to expand the mid to upper offering so we wanted to create a mix that targets affordable ‘edgy urban’ fashion – brands that are current and fashionable, but accessible to a wide range of shoppers,” says Ibrahim Al Ghurair, managing director of Al Ghurair Properties.