Debenhams has opened two new stores in Oman for the first time, increasing its store estate in the Middle East region to 29. The store openings come as the department store retailer is in the middle of a CVA process at home in the UK, which entails plans to close down 50 of its 166 stores in the next few years.
The Middle East is Debenhams’ biggest international market, and the launch in Oman means Debenhams now has stores in eight countries in the region. Debenhams opened in The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi on September 4 as part of the centre’s expansion.
It is currently its sixth store in the UAE, trading from two floors across 75,073sq ft. The new store in Oman opened in the newly-opened Mall Of Muscat, trading on 34,374sq ft.
Both stores follow the “Debenhams Redesigned” concept, which was first showcased at the Debenhams store in Watford. Meanwhile, both stores will range Debenhams’ in-house brands such as Principles, Maine, Racing Green and Bluezoo as well as a wide variety of international fashion and beauty retailers such as Levis, American Eagle and Calvin Klein.
“Our customers in Middle Eastern markets now have two more locations to shop with us in malls that represent the best of shopping in the region,” Debenhams director of digital & international, Jess Shepherd said.
These openings take the Debenhams’ international franchise business up to 57 stores in 20 countries.