2005
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Beauty for Battuta
Beauty-retailer Paris Gallery is opening its first new generation store at Dubai's Ibn Battuta mall in October. It will feature new product offerings, and an entirely new concept for the interior and exterior design. Paris Gallery is also planning selective expansion in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi lifts Belgian ban
Saudi's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has lifted a six-year ban on Belgian food products, reported Arab News. The ban was imposed after reports of heavy dioxin contamination in Belgian products. It opens up potential imports of Belgian dairy produce such as cheese and yoghurt into the Kingdom.
Fair feast of fashion
Fashion buyers, retailers and distributors will attend the third Prestige fashion fair, at Dubai World Trade Centre from 17-19 September. Organiser planetfair is also organising a one-day seminar on partnerships and franchises. The GCC retail sector is currently valued at $45bn and is witnessing huge growth.
Arla plant to Saudi
Danish dairy producer Arla Foods, maker of the popular Lurpak butter, is planning to move its multimillion dollar production plant to Saudi Arabia. The move is part of company's ambition to expand sales and production of dairy produce in the Middle East. The plant will help to increase sales from the current 60,000 tpy to 120,000 tons by 2010.
Geant opens in Riyadh
A new branch of Geant hypermarket has opened in the southern suburbs of Riyadh. The store offers more than 55,000 items and has discounted more than 500 products to mark the launch. Geant's CEO said the group planned to open 15 hypermarkets in the Kingdom, with its first planned for Jeddah before the holy month of Ramadan in 2005.
Dubai mystery shoppers
The Dubai Department of Economic Development is using mystery shoppers to test customer service in outlets that are part of its excellence scheme. A mystery shopper will visit every three months. Their reports will be put onto a secure website, so excellence members can identify what areas they need to improve.
Shaolin Monks in Dubai
Creators of Kung Fu martial arts, the famous Shaolin Monks from China, are being brought to Dubai by Vibe Middle East to perform at the MPV Madinat Jumeirah on 24 and 25 November 2005. The Wheel of Life show outlines the history of Shaolin Kung Fu through choreographed fighting moves.
Jacky's sales up 40%
Jacky's Electronics in the UAE says it has recorded a 40% rise in sales at its flagship shop in Deira City Centre since it was redesigned. The store is displaying more laptops, MP3 players, mobile phones, digital cameras and flat-screen televisions than previously.
Co-Op Islami, Unikai deal
Co-Op Islami is setting up a new distribution system through UAE-based Unikai, which has more than 200 delivery vehicles operating in the country. Co-Op Islami wants to use Unikai's client relationships and distribution channels to reach new segments of the market.
M of E opens September
MAF Investments says the Mall of the Emirates is on schedule to open during the last week of September. Management plans to have over 300 retail outlets, a 14-screen Cinestar complex and a two-level Magic Planet family entertainment centre operating from the opening day. The Ski Dubai snow park will open shortly afterwards.
DSS mall sales up 25%
Shopping malls in Dubai have registered an increase in sales of between 20-25% so far during DSS 2005 compared to the same period last year, Dubai Shopping Malls Group president Eisa Adam Ebrahim told Gulf News. He said the Strike it Rich promotion has been particularly popular among shoppers of all nationalities.
Mumbai Sé opens in Dubai
RSH has opened the Indian fashion boutique Mumbai Sé at the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. The 5,500 sqft store combines Indian fusion fashion and accessories from India's most popular designers, according to a company statement. The store will also showcase Indian art, textiles and techniques.
Alesi for IWC-Mercedes launch
An alliance between the Swiss watch maker International Watch Company and Mercedes-AMG will introduce the IWC Ingenieur AMG watch to the Middle East market in September, through a launch in Dubai. Former Formula 1 and current German Touring Car Championship driver Jean Alesi will be in Dubai from 4-7 September for the launch as ambassador for the IWC, AMG partnership.
LG rides new car audio systems
LG Electronics registered sales of $85m for audio components in the Middle East in 2004, and with the introduction of a new range of car audio systems is looking to establish its position as one of the leaders in the sector. New systems include an MP3 combo in 1-DIN size and a 1-DIN DVD receiver. The demand for car entertainment products is growing in the region, according to Gulf president C H Lee.
Wild Wadi, Mauritius prize
Wild Wadi in Dubai is offering visitors the chance to win a holiday to Mauritius as part of the themed water park's sixth birthday celebrations. The winner will receive a trip for four people to the island, which includes accommodation at The Sands Resort on the Bay of Tamarin. The offer runs from 19-26 August.
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