Latest news with #JohnHadden


12-05-2025
- Business
Primark Expands to Dubai with Three New Stores by Early 2026
Primark is set to make its Dubai debut with three new stores opening in early 2026, marking a major expansion for the Irish fashion giant in the Middle East. The stores will be located in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Mirdif City Centre, bringing the brand's trademark affordable fashion to some of the city's busiest shopping hubs. Alshaya CEO John Hadden confirmed the openings during a recent interview, noting that prices in the UAE will mirror those in other markets — with t-shirts starting at Dh15 and jeans at Dh50. The move follows Primark's upcoming launch in Kuwait this October, bringing the brand's regional store count to four. Known for offering budget-friendly, trend-focused apparel, the retailer currently operates in 17 countries. According to Primark, its goal is to provide 'affordable choices for everyone' while promoting sustainable fashion. The brand's arrival has already sparked excitement among UAE shoppers, especially those familiar with its European stores. Dubai resident Lana Amini, who previously shopped at Primark in London, said she's eager to see how the local stores are styled. 'I hope the layout brings the same organised feel — it made shopping so easy,' she said, adding she plans to visit the Mirdif City Centre outlet. Yasmin H, another UAE-based expat, recalled her 2016 visit to Primark in Oxford Street. While she found the store crowded, she said the product quality and prices made up for it. 'If they can manage the crowd better here, I'm definitely interested,' she added. With the promise of value-driven fashion in prime Dubai locations, Primark's entry could reshape the affordable retail landscape in the UAE. News Source: Khaleej Times


Arabian Post
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Primark Sets Sights on Dubai with Trio of Flagship Stores
Primark, the renowned UK-based fashion retailer, is poised to make its debut in Dubai, marking a significant expansion into the Middle East market. The brand plans to open three flagship stores in early 2026, strategically located in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Centre Mirdif. This move is part of a strategic partnership between Primark and Alshaya Group, a leading international retail franchise operator. The collaboration aims to bring Primark's affordable fashion offerings to the Gulf Cooperation Council region, responding to longstanding consumer demand. John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, highlighting the potential to deliver Primark's exceptional in-store experience to shoppers in the region. Primark's entry into Dubai aligns with the city's broader retail expansion initiatives. Emaar Properties has announced a substantial AED 1.5 billion investment to expand Dubai Mall, introducing 240 new luxury retail and dining options. This development is set to enhance the mall's status as a global shopping destination, which attracted 105 million visitors in 2023. Similarly, Mall of the Emirates is undergoing a significant transformation. Majid Al Futtaim has committed AED 5 billion to upgrade the mall, adding 100 new stores, a wellness club, a cultural hub, and enhanced entertainment facilities. The expansion aims to solidify the mall's position among the world's most lucrative shopping centers. City Centre Mirdif, another key location for Primark's upcoming stores, continues to serve as a vital retail hub in Dubai. Owned by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, the mall houses over 430 retail outlets and offers a diverse range of shopping and entertainment experiences. Primark's planned expansion into Dubai reflects the brand's commitment to global growth and its recognition of the Middle East's burgeoning retail market. With its focus on providing high-quality fashion at accessible prices, Primark is well-positioned to cater to the diverse consumer base in the region.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Primark to debut in Middle East with four new stores
Fashion retailer Primark has unveiled plans to launch in the Middle Eastern market via a collaboration with retail franchise operator, Alshaya Group. This follows a strategic partnership between the bodies announced in September last year. The partners will open the first Primark store at The Avenues in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in October this year, followed with more locations in Dubai, namely the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Centre Mirdif, early next year. In addition to these four stores, Primark and Alshaya Group are actively evaluating opportunities to further extend their reach into other regional markets. Primark interim CEO Eoin Tonge said: 'We're excited to be taking the next step in our global expansion journey, creating new stores for more customers to enjoy shopping with us. It's fantastic to be preparing for our first stores to arrive in the Middle East in partnership with Alshaya Group. We know there is already a strong cohort of shoppers ready and waiting for us and we believe the wider region holds a lot of potential for Primark and our value proposition. "We can't wait to bring them their first Primark later this year in The Avenues, Kuwait, before we continue to expand with more stores planned for Dubai next year.' Primark operates more than 460 stores across 17 markets worldwide, offering budget fashion and essentials. The new stores in the UAE and Kuwait will represent Primark's entry into its 18th and 19th international markets, respectively. Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden said: "Since we announced our partnership a few months ago, we've seen how excited our customers are for Primark's fantastic stores to open in the region. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Primark, and we are all looking forward to much anticipated first stores in the next few months.' Recently, Primark unveiled a €40m ($45m) investment in Italy as part of its international growth plans to expand across new and existing markets. "Primark to debut in Middle East with four new stores" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Arabian Business
09-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Primark to enter Middle East market with first stores in UAE, Kuwait
International fashion retailer Primark will open its first GCC stores later this year, beginning with The Avenues Mall in Kuwait in October 2025, followed by multiple Dubai locations in early 2026. These will include flagship outlets at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Centre Mirdif. The Middle East debut follows a strategic partnership announced in September 2024 between Primark and Alshaya Group, one of the region's leading retail franchise operators. The companies are continuing to explore further expansion across the Gulf region. Eoin Tonge, Interim CEO, Primark, said: 'We're excited to be taking the next step in our global expansion journey, creating new stores for more customers to enjoy shopping with us.' 'It's fantastic to be preparing for our first stores to arrive in the Middle East in partnership with Alshaya Group. We know there is already a strong cohort of shoppers ready and waiting for us and we believe the wider region holds a lot of potential for Primark and our value proposition. We can't wait to bring them their first Primark later this year in The Avenues, Kuwait, before we continue to expand with more stores planned for Dubai next year,' he added. 'Since we announced our partnership a few months ago, we've seen how excited our customers are for Primark's fantastic stores to open in the region,' said John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group. 'We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Primark, and we are all looking forward to the much-anticipated first stores in the next few months,' he added. Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969, the brand operates over 460 stores across 17 markets. The brand is known for offering affordable fashion, beauty, homeware, and licensed collections.


Time Out Dubai
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Primark is coming to Dubai — Here's where and when you can shop
It's stormed the high streets of Ireland and the UK, and now Primark is coming to Dubai. The legendary budget store has partnered with the Alshaya Group, a huge retail franchise operator to bring three stores to Dubai. Set to arrive in the UAE in the first quarter of 2026, you'll soon be able to grab bargains at Primark stores in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif. The news was confirmed by Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden on Virgin Radio Dubai's Kris Fade Show. The first store in the region will open at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait before the end of 2025. After that, Dubai will be the next destination in the region to welcome the brand. And the best bit? Those familiar low prices will stay exactly the same when the store arrives in Dubai. The starting price for jeans will be Dhs50 and t-shirts will be just Dhs15. Hadden said that 'We're going to open not one, not two but we're going to go for three stores in Dubai in the first quarter of next year. 'The top three malls – Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates. 'Price is the same. We're going to do jeans at a starting price of Dhs50 and a basic t-shirt will be Dhs15. 'I'm so excited I can't sustain it. It's just brilliant.' If you like reading this: The best shopping malls in Dubai: Your complete guide What is Primark? If you haven't had the chance to browse its aisles before, then let us explain. Founded in Dublin, Ireland, as Penny's, Primark was first launched 55 years ago and has now expanded into 450 stores. Now in 15 countries across Europe and boasting 16 stores in the US, the brand sells everything from socks to home furnishings, cosmetics, womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. Known for being a budget option, shoppers have long-adored finding new styles for a cheaper price. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?