Asia’s largest beauty retailer plans GCC expansion

Asia’s largest beauty retailer plans GCC expansion

Watsons, Asia’s largest health and beauty retailer, is to launch in two more GCC markets after recording sales growth of 53 percent in the region last year. The company has 18 stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar through a franchise deal with AI Futtaim Group. It is targeting expansion into Bahrain and Kuwait […]

Watsons has 18 shops in Gulf

Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman in sights

Franchise deal with Al Futtaim

Watsons, Asia’s largest health and beauty retailer, is to launch in two more GCC markets after recording sales growth of 53 percent in the region last year.

The company has 18 stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar through a franchise deal with AI Futtaim Group. It is targeting expansion into Bahrain and Kuwait this year.

Malina Ngai, CEO, AS Watson (Asia & Europe), told AGBI the Gulf has a “vibrant” beauty culture, adding that Oman is also on the company’s radar.

K-beauty is not just a pretty face in Middle East

Abu Dhabi-backed Swiss skincare group raises $1bn

Opinion: What shoppers want – and how to make sure they get it

“The GCC and wider Middle East and North Africa region hold immense significance for Watsons as it embarks on its international expansion,” she said.

“Mena