DSW Inc. to enter Middle East in partnership with Apparel Group

North American footwear and accessories retailer DSW Inc. has collaborated with the Apparel Group as its exclusive franchise partner to foray into in the Gulf region.

The agreement will expand DSW into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Oman and with 40 stores across the region, with the first stores opening next year. The DSW stores in the Middle East will be located both in shopping malls and on high street locations, with the initial stores averaging approximately 15,000 sqft and offering approximately 2,000 choices per store. The brand will showcase a huge variety of styles at competitive prices.

“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,” says DSW chief commercial officer, Simon Nankervis.

“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,” adds Nilesh Ved, founder and chairman, Apparel Group

“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,” Ved emphasises.