Eyeing growth with all-round empowerment

The Baraka Group was established by Fathy Ragab in 1979 in Egypt as a wholesale business focused on optics. Way back in 1984, Baraka Group was the first to introduce the fashion optical retail business model to the Egyptian market. Currently, the Group operates across various segments including optics, fashion, and e-commerce. While the Group is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, it has a regional office in Dubai, UAE.

Looking ahead Baraka Group is aiming to record 20% growth in the Egyptian market in 2023 and establish a strong presence across the GCC markets. Under Ahmed Ragab’s (Group CEO, Baraka Group) guidance the Group seeks to establish a leadership position in the optical retail segment in Egypt through a completely new strategy. In fact, its online shopping platform SWISH featuring brands such as New Balance, Baraka, Beverly Hills Polo Club, and Mellow offers limited edition collections released at certain times and exclusively on SWISH in collaboration with celebrities and influencers.

The Group also plans to further develop its local manufacturing unit and increase the contribution of its private-label brands to the overall business. Ragab is keen to change the fundamentals of their fashion division to operate strategically and gain more profits from current operations but in a more sustainable manner through local manufacturing, pushing margins upwards and enhancing its supply chain.

People are also a significantly important focus area for the Group and Ragab emphasised that even during a few tough years amid cost reduction and layoffs Baraka Group remained strongly committed to its “personnel asset”.

Baraka in numbers

• Geographical Reach: Baraka Group operates over 12 brands retailed across 60+ stores in Egypt and the GCC, coupled with a widening online presence in the region.
• People Strength: 350 people
• Annual turnover: $12 million