Al Aqili Group in retail push, bags master franchise for UK-based Laura Ashley

Commenting on the brand, senior officials of Al Aqili said that Laura Ashley, which has over 50 years of heritage and has a huge loyal market across the world including the Middle East, is returning to the region after a gap of two years.

Mr. Abhay Nadkarni, Executive Director, Marketing and Commercial, Al Aqili Retail said: "At Al Aqili, we are in the process of expanding our retail portfolio as well as reach to the regional markets. The addition of a significant global brand like Laura Ashley is in line with these strategic growth plans which envisage a well-planned foray into the Middle East markets through partnerships."

He said the Group is in the process of identifying other potential regional franchises to compliment the Laura Ashley master franchise. "We are looking for the right partners who wish to enter this market in sync with the opportunities and gaps offered by this region."

In the UAE, Al Aqili has already opened the first Laura Ashley Fashion outlet in Mercato, Jumeirah and a second one will be opened in early June 2009 in Dubai Festival City. The Laura Ashley Fashion portfolio comprises a range of themed and inspired Spring-Summer 2009 women's wear targeted at mature women.

"We will soon expand the Laura Ashley offerings from the women's wear to home furnishings. An exclusive outlet for Laura Ashley Home range is planned to open at Mercato post-Ramadan,"

said Mr. Nadkarni.

Mr. Steve Lee, Executive Director, Operations, Al Aqili Retail, said: "Laura Ashley is a brand which has an all-time appeal in the market, despite economic fluctuations. This is proven by the fact that we have been receiving an excellent response from customers after we opened the first Laura Ashley outlet. We believe the retail market in Dubai continues to be buoyant for brands such as Laura Ashley, thanks to a large discerning domestic customer base, as well tourists."

He said: "the addition of Laura Ashley is part of the Al Aqili retail strategy to enhance its portfolio with Western brands with significant customer franchise in their categories across the world. We hope to have a multi-country, multi-franchise operation spanning the GCC and Levant in the next 5 years."