Blancpain opens first luxury boutique in the Middle East

The new boutique is located at Emirates Towers Boulevard.

Marc Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, who was present on the occasion, said:

"We chose to open our first single brand boutique within the UAE because of the immense growth potential in this market. As part of the Swatch Group, we hope to make our presence felt in the prestige watch market here in the Middle East."

He added: "Our relationship with the Rivoli Group has been very positive, as their retailing expertise is aligned with the growth path for the Blancpain brand. The boutique is designed to offer consumers an insight into traditional Swiss watchmaking and an understanding of the core value of the Blancpain brand, which is tradition."

Even though respect for tradition has been an important pole star, Blancpain has infused innovation into its latest additions to product lines, while still keeping the classical essence of Blancpain.

The Rivoli Group, a pioneer in the field of luxury retailing, continues to provide the UAE market with access to some of the world's most widely recognized and respected consumer brand names. With the launch of its Prestige boutique last year at the Mall of the Emirates, Rivoli reinforced its positioning in the luxury watch segment. The opening of the Blancpain boutique at its Emirates Towers' store is a symbol of their successful relationship with the Swatch Group - the number one manufacturer of finished watches in the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Nayla Hayek, Member of the Board of Directors, Swatch Group, said:

"The opening of the Blancpain boutique represents our belief and commitment to the region. The consumer segment for prestige watches has grown tremendously over the years, in this market. Our presence within this market has resulted in many milestone achievements and fits well with our retailing plan to reinforce our presence in the prestige segment with the opening of a growing number of single brand luxury boutiques."

Ramesh Prabhakar, Managing Partner, The Rivoli Group, said: "The opening of the Blancpain boutique is a single step in a series of initiatives to offer consumers the finest watches available, in their own natural environment. This boutique is aimed at offering an experience driven appeal to the exclusive watch connoisseurs of the UAE. As the first single brand boutique within Rivoli, it has been designed to further distinguish the Group in a highly competitive luxury retail environment. "

The opening of this exquisite boutique is a part of the Group's brand-segregation strategy that caters to their premium brand-conscious and loyal consumers who are looking for opulent products and an unforgettable shopping experience. The Rivoli Group is committed to upholding a tradition of excellence in retailing across all of their innovative concepts.

He added: "The opening of the Blancpain boutique is a demonstration of how the Group has evolved in line with the dynamic marketplace of the Emirates, by catering to the needs of a growing brand conscious segment within the region."

Currently, the Rivoli Group operates over 200 retail outlets, inclusive of 35 Rivoli Stores, 90 Hour Choice outlets and mono-brand boutiques of various franchises. The Group's policy has always been one that places its consumers and employees first with a commitment to exceed customers' service requirements and surpass their expectations.