Retail giants GMG, VF Corp boost alliance, explore expansion

Dubai-headquartered GMG has announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with VF Corporation (VF), a global branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories company.

Building on more than 12 years of collaboration, GMG plans to further expand the store network of VF Corporation’s brands, including Vans, The North Face and Timberland, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Southeast Asia (SEA) regions.

Currently operating 90 VF’s mono-brand stores in MENA and SEA, GMG aims to roll out over 300 stores during the next five years, thereby extending the VF brand experience to a broader consumer base.

GMG eyes more markets in SEA and MENA regions

Commenting on the expansion, Mohammad A Baker, deputy chairman and CEO of GMG, emphasised the strategic significance of expanding into new markets across SEA.

Martino Scabbia Guerrini, EVP, global COO and president of Emerging Brands at VF Corporation, expressed excitement about enhancing the long-term partnership with GMG. He highlighted the partnership’s role in unlocking accelerated growth opportunities for VF’s brands in the MENA and SEA regions.

Looking ahead, GMG anticipates leveraging the remarkable growth potential of the SEA market, driven by expanding labour forces, rising household incomes, and a growing consumer base.