Five Minutes With…Ben Jobling, Director, Dune London

1. What is your company focusing on this year?

At Dune London, we’re focusing on the roll out of our latest store concept across our existing international network of retail stores as well as development of new markets through new partnerships and existing partners who are looking to expand whilst always ensuring that the brand identity is consistent.

2. Despite a booming population and high spending power, there are concerns of retail sector saturating in Dubai. Do you feel that is true?

I do not believe this to be true. Having the wide selection of International brands that Dubai has to offer only increases the attractiveness for the consumer to market. This results in all of us having to working harder to ensure that the Dune London brand stands out.

3. Do you have a specific strategy to deal with the competition in Dubai’s retail market?

There will always be competition and we never worry about what other people are doing – we will continue to focus our efforts in ensuring that the customer always is getting a great product at a great price. For Dubai, this has always been about ensuring that we recognise that our customers cover a broad demographic and are very fashion savvy; hence, we have to continuously adapt to ensure we are meeting the expectations of these customers.

4. Are you planning to open any new stores in the region/UAE?

We are constantly assessing locations as they become available and if the right opportunity presents itself we will look to expand further in the territory.

5. What are the growth areas currently for your industry?

As a brand, we have seen our accessories business grow by 30 per cent over the last year. Our menswear business has also expanded to account for 25 per cent of sales. These are the two areas that have most benefited from the latest store concept, featuring an open store plan and a reverse catwalk feature, as they have greater visibility in store.

6. What are the biggest challenges for UAE businesses in your sector?

We face the same challenges as businesses in other sectors as we have to constantly evolve and improve – from product offering to competitive pricing and attractive marketing, in order to continue to meet the high expectations of our customers.

7. What makes the perfect employee?

Someone who is passionate about the brand they represent and is able to convey that to the customer.

8. Define success in five words…

Making sure the customer’s happy

9. Three tips for becoming the boss…

Hard work, sharing the success and having integrity

10. When I’m not at work I like to…

Plan for tomorrow