Occupancy levels at Al Ghurair City (AGC) have risen nearly 20 per cent since January and will be capped by the opening of the largest Mexx concept store in the Gulf in October, the promoters confirmed.

The Mexx outlet is spread over 8,000 square metres and will merchandise the entire range of its unisex fashionwear and accessories.

"With a significant increase in the merchandise offering and increasing customer footfalls, interest in the mall continues to grow among prospective retailers based in the region and among those prospecting for sites out of Europe," said Martin Saxon, leasing manager at AGC.

Total number of stores at the mall is 134 now, while footfall increased an average 20 per cent in the last four months.

According to recent market research by AC Nielsen Amer, the mall recorded a 23 per cent gain in spontaneous awareness among respondents over the December tally. Advertising awareness of the mall was up 8 per cent during the same period, while visits during July gained 10 per cent.

Kuwait's Al Shaya Group has picked AGC to have three of its key brands - Evans, Milano and Claires. The openings are scheduled in October and November.

Another brand within its portfolio, Mothercare, will relocate to a new 3,000 square feet destination store in the mall's children's court on the first floor.

Other names that will come up over the next two months include the German 'S. Oliver' label, while a new concept store from Bhs and a refurbished Benetton outlet will be readied during the period.

"The strong retailer interest shown in the mall is a reflection of the international appeal that AGC has created as a result of its refurbishment and expansion programme," said Ian Hardy, general manager.

"We are confident that with the building of new infrastructure, unique facilities and the offering of quality brands, AGC will be a destination in the Middle East for shopping, entertainment and leisure."

On completion, AGC will have a gross leasing area of 650,000 square feet comprising anchor, specialty retail, restaurants, cinemas, entertainment arcades and a supermarket.