Beauty and Fashion Dubai

British fashion brand opens first store in Dubai at Oasis Centre

Dubai, November , 2013: Al-Futtaim, one of the region’s largest business conglomerates, has signed a franchise agreement with international clothing brand F&F to open exclusive retail outlets in the region. F&F opened its doors to customers in the UAE with its first store in Dubai’s Oasis Centre.

The store was officially opened to public after a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Paul Delaoutre, President – Retail, Al-Futtaim, Troy Zunckel, General Manager, F&F, James Marshall, Head of Marketing, F&F Global Partnerships and Mark Knowlden, Business Development Manager, F&F Global Partnerships.

Paul Delaoutre, President – Retail, Al-Futtaim said: “Al-Futtaim is fully committed to offering customers an unrivalled choice of the world’s best brands with exceptional standards of customer service. We are pleased to introduce the internationally recognised brand, F&F, offering quality fashion forward clothing at amazing prices. We see great potential for F&F’s modern designs that are sure to appeal to the fashion conscious customers in the region.”

F&F chief executive Jason Tarry said: “We’ve had a strong year so far and our combination of good quality and contemporary designs has appealed to customers across the world. Franchising enables us to combine the strength of the F&F brand with the local knowledge and expertise of our partners. Our partnership with Al-Futtaim builds on the success of our first franchise stores and demonstrates our commitment to growing the brand internationally through this model.”

Owned by British retailer, Tesco, F&F is available in over 1,600 locations worldwide and is among the top fashion brands in Europe, offering a broad range of affordable fashion including men’s, women’s, and children’s ranges, as well as footwear and accessories.

In partnership with Al-Futtaim, F&F will operate three stores by the end of November, in the UAE, Bahrain and Jordan, with future plans to open more stores in the region

In celebration of the opening of its first ever store in Dubai, F&F is offering customers 25% off across its entire collection for the first four days following launch (Nov 6 – Nov 9). F&F’s current women’s collections include ‘Depeche Mode’ which features on-trend colour blocking and utility styling, ‘Future 40s’ showcases tailored separates with a distinct retro feel, ‘Minimal Utility’ is a range of essential day wear with vibrant prints and layering, whilst ‘Grunge Luxe’ is urban style at its best mixing bold tartans, knits and biker elements in a contemporary way.

Speaking on the occasion, Troy Zunckel, General Manager, F&F said: “We believe that there is an opportunity to provide cutting edge fashion at affordable prices to customers in the UAE. With this first store in Dubai, we’re looking forward to serving the smart, discerning consumer looking for stylish clothing at extremely competitive prices. Oasis Centre is the first of several stores for the region and we have exciting plans for the brand over the next few months.”

“F&F’s lines are fast moving to ensure products at our store are always relevant. Add to that the fact that 80% of our products are below AED 99, we promise our customers a collection that is up-to-date with global fashion trends,” Troy added.

Currently offering its Autumn Collection in-store, F&F designs are on trend and have already gained a dedicated following across Europe.

F&F is located at Level 1, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. For more information customers can call the store on 04 338 9075.

Al-Futtaim’s retail division represents some of the world’s most popular brands including IKEA, Toys “R” Us, ACE, M&S, Intersport, amongst others.