Up-market UK retailer Waitrose confirmed that it is eyeing growth overseas as it opened its first store outside the UK in Dubai, UAE, today (4 November).
The new 55,000 square foot store is located in the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.
Waitrose also plans to open another store in the Dubai Marina Mall this December as part of a licensing partnership with UAE retailer Fine Fare Food Market.
FFFM will run the daily operation of the stores with support from Waitrose personnel in the UK.
“We have entered into a licensing agreement with Fine Fare Food Market because we believe it represents the most appropriate way to enter an international market like this. Whenever we open a Waitrose in the UK we always aim to ensure the shop has a local identity and our offer reflects the community in which it trades. Our partnership with Fine Fare Food Market enables us to achieve this in the most practical way,” a spokesperson for the company told just-food.
The spokesperson said that Waitrose does want to open more outlets in the UAE through the licensing arrangement. However, as it is yet to secure further sites, the company declined to comment on the number or timing of openings.
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The deal builds on Waitrose’s links to the UAE forged during the four years that the company has exported Waitrose-produced goods to retailers in the market, the company told just-food this afternoon.
“Waitrose own brand products have been sold in Dubai for over four years so we have a good understanding of the market there already,” the spokesperson said.
Waitrose has looked to expand its core supermarket business of late. Earlier this year, the company revealed a new Market Town Format and in December it will launch its first convenience store in Nottingham, UK. Waitrose MD Mark Price suggested that this latest development fits well with the company’s long-term growth objectives.
“Growing our business internationally through a strong strategic partnership with Fine Fare Food Market will support our long term growth,” Price commented.
