A.S. Watson Group inks Franchise Agreement with Al-Futtaim to bring Watsons to Middle East Consumers

Al-Futtaim, one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses and A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, jointly announced that they have reached an exclusive franchise agreement to launch the flagship health and beauty brand Watsons in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

This is the first franchise agreement of A.S. Watson Group in its almost 180 years of history, and its first venture in the Middle East, adding to its established leadership in Asia and Europe.

With plans to open 100 stores in the region by the end of 2025, the first Watsons flagship will officially open in Dubai Mall, on 1 October; along with an e-commerce portal (Watsons.ae), and a mobile app called Watsons UAE, and a Watsons loyalty programme.

Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman at Al-Futtaim Group, said, “As a local business operating across the globe, it is our duty to support and contribute to the economic growth of the region we belong to while bringing quality and customer-oriented brands to our retail network. Our partnership with A.S. Watson Group is another milestone in our journey to further enhance both the UAE and the Middle East’s position in the world’s top retail destinations map, and we look forward to making this brand available across further locations in the region.”

The expansion plan of Watsons in the Middle East will see the opening of two outlets in Dubai Festival City Center and The Mall of the Emirates in the fourth quarter of 2020, followed by entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021.

Dominic Lai, Managing Director, A.S. Watson Group, stated, “We are delighted to bring Watsons to the beauty-savvy customers in the Middle East which is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for beauty products. Al-Futtaim has impressed us with its proven experience and track record in the quality management of retail brands. We are excited to partner with them to bring new offline and online beauty experience as well as numerous trendy brands to customers in the region.”

Being named Asia’s number one brand for 12 consecutive years, Watsons is famous for its customer engagement through its 100 million member base loyalty programme and 30 million social media community; its expertise in beauty, as well as it's fully integrated offline and online experience.