Al-Futtaim, Chalhoub Group form JV to bring Singapore’s Robinsons to the region

Dubai-based Al-Futtaim has signed a joint venture agreement with Chalhoub Group, another emirate based retailer specialising in luxury, to bring one of Singapore’s leading fashion department stores Robinsons to the GCC and the wider Middle East region.

The first Robinsons department store will open in spring 2017 at Al-Futtaim’s Dubai Festival City Mall, which is currently undergoing a major expansion programme. Spanning a total of 193,750 sqft across three levels, the store will be the first of many to follow in the GCC.

“Al-Futtaim has already been operating four Robinsons department stores in Singapore and Malaysia and through our partnership with the Chalhoub Group we will bring this unique format department store to the Middle East expanding the brand’s footprint and strengthening its international appeal,” says Paul Delaoutre, president – retail, Al-Futtaim

“Robinsons department stores in the GCC will be offering contemporary fashion covering the full spectrum, from accessible to luxury in a relaxing environment where fashion is alive. We will focus on novelty and style, a large part of the offer will be completely new to the Middle East.”

In 2008, Al-Futtaim acquired the Robinsons Group. The Group is currently operating three Robinsons stores in Singapore and one in Malaysia. Over its 150 years of operation, Robinsons department store has become synonymous to Singapore and its fashion retail industry.

“We are excited about this partnership as we will be combining Al-Futtaim’s vast experience of operating over 200 companies with our intimate knowledge of the Middle East luxury market and consumers, in order to deliver the most relevant offer of the department store adapted to the Middle East customer who is now knowledgeable and assertive,” adds Patrick Chalhoub, chief executive, Chalhoub Group.

“The Robinsons department store in Dubai Festival City Mall will offer customers exclusive fashion brands across categories for women, men, kids, beauty, home and lifestyle, food and beverages in addition to unique services,” elaborates Thierry Prevost, managing director – fashion and department store, Al-Futtaim Retail.

“The store will redefine fashion retail, with unique, innovative and interactive concepts, exclusive product offerings, innovative interior design and intuitive visual merchandising. We are very excited about the future of Robinsons in the Middle East and look forward to making further announcements soon,” he shares.

Further, the store will also feature a number of restaurants with terraces and breathtaking views overlooking the Creek and Dubai’s iconic skyline.