A.S. Watson announced this week it plans to open its first flagship in the Middle East in Dubai Mall on 1 st October under its Watsons brand, and plans to roll out 100 stores in the region by 2025. ‘Bringing Watsons to the beauty-savvy customers in the Middle East’ The global drugstore operator signed its first-ever franchise agreement with Al-Futtaim, marking its first venture in the Midd...

As UAE-based LuLu grows its store base in Egypt and Abu Dhabi and rolls out a contactless payment solution in the UAE, we round up news from the retailer. LuLu expands presence in Egypt… LuLu has opened its second hypermarket in Egypt in Cairo’s District Mall in Sheraton Heliopolis. The new store was its 190th globally. Commenting on the retailer’s expansion plans for Egypt, LuLu’s chairman...

As Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) enjoys fast-paced growth online and expands its range in Pakistan, we round up news and further developments from the retailer. Carrefour sees triple digit sales growth online… In an interview with CNBC Majid Al Futtaim’s chief executive, Alain Bejjani, discussed the ‘ fantastic surge ’ in online sales the company had seen during the pandemic. Bejjani said Carrefou...