Chalhoub Group, Middle East’s largest retail operator, headquartered in Dubai is in works on a massive Saudi expansion with a new operations in Jeddah Airport, David Vercruysse, president of fashion, beauty and homeware for Chalhoub told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview at the Retail Summit.
The group is also expanding overseas with a possible opening in Bal Harbour, Florida in 2025.
“We are hoping to create a state-of-the-art duty-paid shopping space in the Middle East, we have won the tender in Jeddah. So we are operating a 3,000 square metre space in Jeddah Airport which has more than 9-10 million passengers every year, which could probably go up to 15-20 million. We just took the space and so, we will be opening up by September or October,” Vercruysse revealed.
Other details including brands and features have not yet been revealed.
Vercruysse emphasised on the fact that, “We’re really making sure that aside from big and cool brands, to bring an experience that is well and up to the level of the Middle East customers.”
The company currently has multiple job listings on the website for positions listed under ‘Airport Project’ in Jeddah under their retail and distribution section, including department manager, supply chain manager, department supervisor, receiving associate and cashier.
Chalhoub Group currently has leading luxury brands under its wing including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Givenchy, Dior and more.
Alongside the regional expansion, the group is aiming to go global: “We are going to open up in Bal Harbour in 2025.” More details are yet to be revealed, however, if you visit the career section on the Chalhoub website, Bal Harbour is listed as a location with job openings yet to be listed.
When asked about future plans for the company, Vercruysse exclaimed, “There are a lot of things going on, where do I start?”
Firstly, the group is revamping its IT programme to direct focus toward consumer emotion, the ‘right’ experiences and the ‘right’ benefits.
Chalhoub is also looking to bring new brands under its extensive portfolio, “we are looking at bringing exciting and latest fashion brands that make sense for consumers, we have probably about 5-10 brands in the pipeline,” he revealed.
The retail giant is also venturing into new categories – eyewear and jewellery.
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