Babyshop To Open 15 New UAE Outlets By 2016

Kids’ store Babyshop, part of the Landmark Group, has revealed plans to open 15 new outlets in the UAE by 2016, as part of a massive expansion plan.

The brand, which currently operates 40 stores in the UAE, will invest up to Dhs150 million on the UAE expansion, officials disclosed during a press event. Five of the new stores are slated to open by June 2014.

New outlets will come up at the World Trade Centre Mall, Deerfields Town Centre and the recently-opened Ruwais Mall in Abu Dhabi, and at the Dubai Outlet Mall. Plans are also underway for renovating the brand’s store in Sharjah’s Qassimia Street.

Babyshop has also entered into a partnership with Emirates Cooperative, with the first store due to open in Hatta, a statement said.

According to internal studies, customer footfall in Babyshop outlets across the UAE crossed the 4.8 million mark during the past year, the company said.

Dubai alone registered over 1.9 million customers, with a daily average of 13,000 people. Abu Dhabi outlets saw over 1.4 million customers in the same period, while the brand’s stores in Sharjah and northern emirates drew over 1.5 million shoppers.

The studies also revealed that 50 per cent of the brand’s loyal members in the country are Emiratis and Arab expatriates.

Ruban Shanmugarajah, general manager, Babyshop-UAE, said: “Our studies tracking customer behaviour have revealed interesting insights that provided us with the impetus to fast track our expansion plans.”

Babyshop is the first Landmark Group concept store that was launched in Bahrain in 1973. It currently operates over 195 stores across 14 countries.

The store offers a range of products including nursery furniture, fashion clothing, toys and maternity wear. Brands include Disney, Barbie, Hello Kitty, Lee Cooper, Maui & Sons, Juniors, Giggles, Graco, Fisher Price, Avent, Quinny and Ferrari.