DSW Inc., a North American retailer that sells branded
footwear and accessories, has announced a deal with Apparel Group to become its
exclusive franchise partner in the Gulf Coast.
The agreement will expand the company’s footprint into Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Oman, with 40 stores
across the territory. The first stores will open in 2017.
“We
are thrilled to bring DSW to new markets outside North America,” Simon
Nankervis, DSW’s chief commercial officer, said. “DSW fills white space for
fashion-minded consumers in the Middle East with our wide range of
international brands at compelling value. We are excited to work with the
Apparel Group, who has a track record of introducing and successfully
developing international brands across the Middle East.”
DSW plans to use these international shores to showcase a
wide variety of brand name shoes at competitive prices in the Middle East. The
stores, located in both malls and high street locations, will start at roughly
15,000 square feet and offer 2,000 choices per store.
“We look forward to launching our partnership with DSW in
the Gulf region,” Nilesh Ved, founder and chairman of Apparel Group, said. “There
is a strong demand for the DSW brand in this market. With DSW’s compelling
merchandise and brand recognition, coupled with our group’s marketing expertise
and knowledge of the customer, we will create an incredible experience in
footwear retailing in the region.”
