Dubai: Alsa lifestyle, the retail arm of Dubai-based Al Sayegh Group, is planning to expand Yoku Moku, a Japanese confectionary brand, outside of its domestic market by year-end as it enjoys good sales, according to a senior company executive.
“Our sales in 2014 will grow by 200 per cent over 2013. In 2015, it will be similar more or less,” said Ehab Al Bakri, Alsa lifestyle’s chief operating officer.
Yoku Moku sells a range of cookies and biscuits. Prices are from Dh110 for a standard box and can reach Dh495.
The company, which operates 17 Yoku Moku outlets in the UAE, expects to open one store in Kuwait City and one in Amman, Jordan in December through a joint venture, according to Al Bakri.
Also, Yoku Moku is considering expanding to Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and India. In 2016, it expects to roll out stores in Saudi Arabia, reaching a total of 50 by 2017, Al Bakri said.
“In 2015, if we experience a more stable political situation [in the region], we would look at South Asia, Africa and Turkey in consultation with our Japanese partner,” Al Bakri said.
Meanwhile in the UAE, the company expects to open one store in Dubai (Dubai Marina Mall) in December, two in Al Gharbia (the western region of Abu Dhabi), and one each in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain by the second quarter of 2015.
