Greetings retail giant makes first move into the Middle East with UAE expansion
International expansion is on the cards for Card Factory with the opening of the specialist greetings retailer’s first shop in the Middle East.
The outlet in the Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Abu Dhabi is part of the company’s long-term master franchise agreement with Liwa Trading Enterprises which was announced in May, with three further stores set to open in the capital of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in August.
Joining Card Factory’s 1,000+ store estate, the aim is to open around 36 stores across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. This supports the growth of Card Factory’s international presence working with Liwa, which operates over 20 international brands and has opened over 185 stores throughout the UAE
The highly-anticipated move taking the Card Factory brand into the Middle East has been enabled by the group’s specialist in-house design and manufacturing capability, with its range of greeting cards, celebrations essentials and gifts being tailored to the local market
Syed Kazmi, appointed executive director business development two years ago to expand the retail group’s global presence, said: “Card Factory is delighted to be partnering with Liwa on this highly exciting expansion in the Middle East, taking our international expansion into a new phase.
“We look forward to offering customers in the UAE great quality and value when celebrating all of life’s moments and are confident that our expertise and authority in greeting cards, celebration essentials and gifting will help us quickly become a well-loved brand of customers in the Middle East.”
The opening follows the group’s expansion into South Africa through the acquisition of SA Greetings in April, and the company continues to seek partnerships in its seven international target markets of the USA, Canada, Middle East, South Africa, India, and New Zealand, as well as Australia where it has an existing agreement with The Reject Shop.
CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer commented: “We are excited to be opening our first stores in the Middle East as we continue to deliver on our ambitious Opening Our New Future growth strategy.
“Our entry into the Middle East will underpin our position as a global competitor and help drive our transition to becoming the market-leading omnichannel retailer of cards and gifts.”
Meanwhile, Card Factory’s expansion continues here in the UK too with its latest store opening at Glasgow’s Barrhead Retail Park just a couple of weeks ago.
