Jarir is not just a bookstore


December 22, 2023 | By RetailME Bureau

Abdulkarim Bin Abdulrahman Alagil, Chief Executive Officer, Jarir Bookstore

Indeed, Jarir is not just a bookstore. It is a theatre for things people love. It offers an experience that makes its visitors feel more resourceful, independent and informed.

Currently under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkarim Bin Abdulrahman Alagil, Jarir Bookstore has a network of over 60 stores in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Beyond the home turf, Jarir has 11 stores across the GCC, including five in Kuwait, three in Qatar, two in the UAE and one in Bahrain. The brand also has a robust digital presence.

From a single and small bookstore in Riyadh almost five decades ago, today Jarir Bookstore is a market leader in its category offering books, office supplies, consumer IT products and electronics. In 2002, Jarir became a Joint Stock Company and was listed in the Saudi Capital Market (Tadawul) in the year 2003. Occupying 2.4 million square feet of retail space, Jarir records 40.4 million store and 145 million online visitors annually. A proud homegrown brand, Jarir Bookstore is consistently named among the most influential brands from the KSA and recorded sales revenue of $2.50 billion in 2022.

Some of the brand’s key milestones include:

  • Jarir enjoys the distinction of launching the first ‘superstore’ or a big box department store in Saudi Arabia.
  • Having published more than 6,000 titles so far, Jarir Publications now publishes a new book every 24 hours.
  • The company launched the first local loyalty programme in 1985 and the first computerised warehousing system in 1990.
  • It is the first retailer to introduce telecom services from all operators as part of its retail offering.
  • Today, Jarir Reader is a leading Arabic e-book platform available on iOS and Android.

Previous Article Next Article

SHARE

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE /



For decades, Haldiram’s built deep recall across the UAE through its packaged 

Continue Reading

April 27, 2026 | By Anurima Das

When House of Habanero opened its first physical location at Alserkal Avenue 

Continue Reading

April 16, 2026 | By Anurima Das

Union Coop has completed a significant expansion of its Hatta Souq branch, 

Continue Reading

January 20, 2026 | By RetailME Bureau

Saudi Arabia is set to welcome U.S. food exporters this week, as 

Continue Reading

November 12, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Majid Al Futtaim has officially entered the discount retail segment with the 

Continue Reading

October 24, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

As convenience increasingly becomes currency in the region’s grocery landscape, Union Coop 

Continue Reading

October 15, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

As wellness becomes a lifestyle in the UAE, the grocery aisle is 

Continue Reading

September 30, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a 

Continue Reading

September 15, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

With shifting consumer behaviour, rising cost pressures, regulatory changes, and rapid digitization, 

Continue Reading

September 1, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is 

Continue Reading

August 20, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group has marked a pivotal stage in its transformation 

Continue Reading

August 18, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

In a move that blurs the line between shopping and investing, Apparel 

Continue Reading

August 13, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau




Download Images RetailME Magazine