Al-Futtaim, one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businessesand A.S. Watson Group,the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, jointlyannounced today that they have reachedan exclusive franchise agreement to launch the flagship health and beauty brand Watsonsin the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This is the first franchise agreement of A.S. Watson Group in itsalmost 180 years of history, andits first venture in the Middle East, adding to its established leadership in Asia and Europe.
With plans to open 100 storesin the region by the end of 2025, the first Watsons flagship will officially open in Dubai Mall, on 1 October;along with an eCommerce portal (Watsons.ae), and a mobile app called Watsons UAE, and a Watsons loyalty programme.
Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman at Al-Futtaim Group said, “As a local business operating across the globe, it is our duty to support and contribute to the economic growth of the region we belong to, while bringing quality and customer-oriented brands to our retail network. Our partnership with
A.S. Watson Group is another milestone in our journey to further enhance both the UAE and the Middle East’s position in the world’s top retail destinations map, and we look forward to making this brand available across further locations in the region.”
Expansion plan of Watsonsin the Middle East will seethe opening of two outlets in Dubai Festival City Center and The Mall of the Emirates in the fourth quarter of 2020, followed by entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021.
DominicLai, A.S. Watson Group Managing Directoris delighted with the new venture, “We are delighted to bring Watsonsto the beauty-savvy customers in the Middle Eastwhich is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for beauty products. Al-Futtaim has impressed us with their proven experience andtrack record in quality management of retail brands.We are excited to partner with them to bring newoffline and online beauty experience as well asnumerous trendy brands to customers in the region.”
Being named Asia’s number onebrand* for 12 consecutive years,Watsons is famous for its customerengagement through its 100 millionmember base loyalty programme and30 million social media community;its expertise in beauty, as well asits fully integrated offline andonline experience. Its promise is to make customers LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day.
*Campaign Asia-Pacific/Nielsen’s “Asia’s Top 1,000 Brands” Online Study 2020 is based on interviews with over 8,000 people across 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific region