MEA’s largest Petit Bateau store opens in Mall of the Emirates

French baby and kids wear brand Petit Bateau, part of Al Khayyat Investments’ (AKI) fashion portfolio, has opened a new flagship store in Mall of the Emirates, which happens to be its largest store in the Middle East and Asia. The store is a first-of-its-kind concept for Petit Bateau offering guests a reimagined shopping experience along with a greater selection of its latest collections and classic designs.

As Petit Bateau commemorates its 130^th anniversary, the new store at Mall of the Emirates signifies the brand’s renewed commitment to French heritage and high-quality fashion, while also blending local Arabic influences into the façade design. In addition to the latest Petit Bateau collections, the flagship store showcases iconic products pioneered by the brand, from the first washable cotton pants to the two-stripe knit fabric, and even the illustrious mix between a bodysuit and pajamas – known as ‘bodyjamas’.

The new store features a dedicated play area for children. A VIP area provides a comfortable space for parents to relax, with an array of gift offerings also on hand. Petit Bateau’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the store’s design, featuring eco-responsible materials and reusable original wood furniture. The brand aims to promote a connection with nature and educate children on nature protection through workshops and interactive events hosted at the store. By 2025, Petit Bateau will use 100% eco-responsible materials to make its clothing.

“We saw a big ambition for Petit Bateau in the market and chose to open the largest store in all the Middle East and Asia at Mall of Emirates. Remaining a loved member of the local community, we will continue to build the Petit Bateau reputation for excellence among families as well as the international visitors on holiday in the UAE,” said Emad Hussein, General Manager of the Fashion Division, AKI.

In the UAE, Petit Bateau has worked with AKI as a trusted retail partner for over a decade, with plans to further expand brand presence in the region with new stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“It remains very important to us to offer a unique retail experience when consumers visit Petit Bateau in store; one that complements our expanded online presence. The Mall of the Emirates outlet does just this,” added Marc Ardisson, Managing Director for APAC & Middle East at Petit Bateau. “Petit Bateau only entered the UAE in 2012 but through our partnership with AKI, it has quickly been able to resonate with consumers locally and grow in popularity even beyond our expectations. We have big ambitions moving forward in the UAE and the wider region, and we are confident that our strategic partnership with AKI will be instrumental in realising these aspirations and driving remarkable achievements.”