Al Khayyat Investments, a leader in retail franchising in the Middle East, has signed a master franchise agreement to exclusively operate the Guy Degrenne retail outlets in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain and one flagship cookery school.
“We are delighted to announce this exclusive agreement with prestigious global retail brand Guy Degrenne,” said Ahmed Al Khayyat, Board Member, Al Khayyat Investments. “We see huge potential for the furniture and home decoration sector in the region with more than 40,000 residential units being built annually until 2010, just in the UAE. We are confident that Guy Degrenne brand will experience immense success in the region.”
A total of 15 outlets located in major regional shopping malls are due to open in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in the next two years following the signing.
Philippe Lassaux, Head of Master Franchise Development, Guy Degrenne said: “This is our first largest master franchise since our inception in 1947. Guy Degrenne will be the only brand in the Middle East to offer to customers both casual and formal ranges of porcelain, cutlery, glassware, kitchenware, table and kitchen linen and children’s collections in lively and colorful shops. Customers will be able to use Guy Degrenne products at the cookery school and share the chefs’ tips, together with their family and friends.”
Clive Stanley, Head of Retail, Alphamed Group, a member of Al Khayyat Investments added: “We are always searching for brands that bring a solid value proposition. Major real estate developers in the region have shown high interest in hosting these outlets in forthcoming shopping malls. Renowned Dubai chefs have also expressed their willingness to share their passion at the cookery school.”
Through its hospitality division, Guy Degrenne already works in the Middle East with renowned hotel chains and airline groups such as Royal Air Jordanian and Qatar Airways.
Lassaux added: “The Gulf market is a world class shopping destination with some of the largest and most significant shopping malls in the world. Through our partnership with Al Khayyat Investments, we can better serve clients in the region with unique outlets that truly represent superior quality.”
The Guy Degrenne Gulf franchise agreement is part of the company’s aim to enhance its presence in all international markets. The France-based company has developed into a solid network with around 100 stores and concessions in more than 60 cities.
Lassaux added: “The demand for household products has increased significantly in the Middle East which is going through a remarkable period of growth. A new wave of development is taking place in the region with the launch of numerous mega-projects. We plan to continue our strategy of growing in all markets to serve our customers at a closer proximity. Consumers in the Gulf are constantly exposed to the best the world has to offer yet they have the ability to recognize brands that offer them world class quality along with value for money.”
Al Khayyat Investments was chosen by Guy Degrenne after an extensive evaluation process of several retail companies in the region. “We have been impressed with the success of the master franchise operation in other parts of the world and we felt it is imperative to include the Gulf in our international expansion strategy. We are close to finalizing more master franchises in Southern Asia,” concluded Lassaux.
