Apparel Group brings global casual footwear brand HEYDUDE to the Gulf, debuting its first store at Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi. The store spans 135 square meters, marking the beginning of its expansion journey in the region, with more stores set to open across the GCC in the coming years.
Founded in Italy in 2008 and acquired by Crocs in 2022, HEYDUDE is known for ultra-light, comfortable shoes like its best-selling Wally and Wendy styles, making it a distinctive, multi-generational casual footwear brand.
Speaking about the vision behind the debut, Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO at Apparel Group said, “Our vision with HEYDUDE is to bring disruptive, comfort-driven footwear to the region’s growing community of consumers. We are excited to introduce a brand that not only prioritizes comfort but also celebrates individuality and relaxed living – values that strongly connect with today’s Gulf consumers.”
Reinstating the strength of the partnership, Michael Anthes, Senior Vice President & General Manager at HEYDUDE International said, “We couldn’t be more proud of this exciting new chapter in the HEYDUDE journey across the globe. We have deep trust in Apparel Group’s clear vision and strong ability to serve the Gulf region consumers with HEYDUDE’s blend of style and comfort.”
The Reem Mall store strategically positions HEYDUDE to showcase its complete portfolio across men’s, women’s, and kids’ collections, targeting consumers who value creativity, mobility, and relaxed lifestyles.
Additionally, leveraging its rapid global growth, strong brand loyalty, and cultural resonance—amplified by social buzz, collaborations, and global ambassador Sydney Sweeney—HEYDUDE is poised to capture significant market share in the UAE casual footwear segment.
Ultimately, this launch reinforces Apparel Group’s position as a leading curator of global lifestyle brands in the GCC, bringing world-class retail experiences to regional consumers and strengthening its footprint in the premium footwear segment.
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