Dubai: Al-Futtaim and A.S. Watson Group have signed a franchise agreement to open stores of healthcare and beauty chain Watsons in the Gulf. The first Watsons store will open in Dubai Mall on October 1.
The company, which has plans to open 100 stores in the Gulf by end 2025, will also launch an online portal, a mobile app, and a loyalty programme for UAE customers. This partnership “is another milestone in our journey to further enhance both the UAE and the Middle East’s position in the world’s top retail destinations map," said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice-Chairman at Al-Futtaim Group.
The companies have plans to open two more outlets in UAE – one in Dubai Festival City Center and in Mall of the Emirates in the fourth quarter. Saudi Arabia will see its first Watsons store in 2021. This is the first franchise agreement of A.S. Watson Group in its almost 180 years of history.
“We are delighted to bring Watsons to the beauty-savvy customers in the Middle East, which is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for beauty products,” said Dominic Lai, A.S. Watson Group's Managing Director.
