Dubai: It seems to be the season for the UK's high-street brands to open marquee stores in the UAE.
Just weeks after LK Bennett, a fashion brand favoured by young royalty among others, it is the turn of the super-premium shoemaker Harrys of London to make a local debut.
The first store in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall had a soft opening last Thursday, courtesy of the brand's local franchisee, the Dubai Holding Group (DHG).
The emirate will also have the second store, at the Yas Mall, scheduled to open in 2013.
The franchisee has also scouted a couple of locations in Dubai, for which negotiations are taking place with landlords.
It is possible that a Dubai outlet will be ready before "the end of the first half of next year", according to a senior official at DHG.
As to the how and why the tie-up with Harrys happened, Duncan McLellan, general manager of DHG, said: "We had a number of customers in Abu Dhabi who were already shopping with Harrys of London at their Mayfair store.
"When we were approached by Harrys, we saw the quality of customers they were already servicing.
Logical decision
"It made for a logical decision whereby we could open our store for these customers in Abu Dhabi and save them the trouble of going all the way to London for their shoes."
Shoppers in Abu Dhabi can expect some treats.
"There are some exclusive, very high-end shoes and sandals made of what they call exotic leather — these are done specially for us and geared for the more discerning local customer," said McLellan.
Unlike other luxury labels in its category, Harrys is of a more recent origin.
Founded in 2000, it is now privately owned by a group of investors.
In 2007, a majority stake was picked up by Atelier Fund, owned by Compagnie Financière Richemont.
As for DHG, the new association represents a move into the luxury space. "It takes us in a different direction, we have been very much associated with mid-market or good value brands," said McLellan.
"For Harrys, we had to gear our stuff a little differently [in terms of] our approach to the store and the marketing of the brand.
"The brand has been extremely supportive because they obviously have got a lot of experience and that's been exceptionally good for us.
Five-star service
"We realised early on it had to be a five-star service at the store."
Now that it has the taste for luxury, would DHG be looking to enhance its retail offerings in this category?
"We have always been very cautious and with Harrys putting our toes in the water to see how it goes," the general manager added.
"We are very positive about the opportunities and would look for brands that will fit into the market and at the same time be different.
"If we could find that with another luxury brand, we would do it."
