DSW Inc. to open new stores in the Middle East
DSW Inc., a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer in North America, is pleased to announce the signing of Apparel Group as its exclusive franchise partner in the Gulf Coast. The agreement will expand DSW into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Oman and with 40 stores across the territory, with the first stores opening in 2017
DSW’s international stores will showcase the huge variety of styles at competitive prices within the convenient open shopping environment that DSW customers have come to expect. The stores in the Middle East will be in both malls and on high street locations, with the initial stores averaging approximately 15000 square feet and offering approximately 2000 choices per store.
Simon Nankervis, DSW’s Chief Commercial Officer stated, “We are thrilled to bring DSW to new markets outside North America. DSW fills white space for fashion-minded consumers in the Middle East with our wide range of international brands at compelling value. We are excited to work with the Apparel Group, who has a track record of introducing and successfully developing international brands across the Middle East.”
Nilesh Ved, Founder and Chairman, Apparel Group commented, “We look forward to launching our partnership with DSW in the Gulf region. There is a strong demand for the DSW brand in this market. With DSW’s compelling merchandise and brand recognition, coupled with our group’s marketing expertise and knowledge of the customer, we will create an incredible experience in footwear retailing in the region.”
He further added, “We have expanded tremendously in 2016 and have added almost 10 new international brands to our portfolio this year. This agreement with DSW is yet another important milestone as we continue to focus on accelerating our retail expansion in the region.”
DSW operates 480 stores in 42 states and operates an ecommerce site, and a mobile site. DSW also supplies footwear to 387 locations in the United States operated by Steinmart, Gordman’s and Frugal Fannie’s under its Affiliate Business Group. Through its partial ownership of Town Shoes of Canada, DSW also operates 17 stores in Canada.