Marks & Spencer, a leading retailer, has opened its largest international store today at The View in Salmiya, Kuwait.  

The new 72,000 sq ft flagship store operated by Marks & Spencer’s long term franchise partner Al-Futtaim group is in line with the retailer’s international strategy to build a strong presence in the Middle East, said a statement.

The store was opened by Omar Al Futtaim, chairman of Al-Futtaim Group, and Marc Bolland, Marks & Spencer chief executive.

Al-Futtaim now operates 26 Marks & Spencer stores across eight territories in the region.

The new store brings the largest offering of clothing, food, beauty and home products in the region, including a renowned in-store Café that serves up delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea meals. It ensures a bigger and better shopping environment and unparalleled customer service, the statement said.

Bolland said: “We’re delighted to officially open our largest international store in Kuwait today. The Middle East is a priority market for Marks & Spencer and through our successful partnership with Al-Futtaim we are continuing to build our presence here. As one of the world’s leading shopping mall owners and retail operators, Al-Futtaim offers us invaluable retail expertise and access to prime shopping locations like The View. This together with Marks & Spencer’s exceptional quality fashions and food offers something truly special for our customers in Kuwait.”

“We are proud to be part of a Kuwaiti society that is fashion forward and enjoys our truly international shopping experience and exceptional quality, innovative product offer. Through the introduction of Marks & Spencer’s largest store outside of the UK and Ireland, customers in Kuwait can now shop our most extensive fashion collections while also sampling the best of authentic English cuisine our M&S Café has to offer,” said John Cooper, managing director of Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim group Mena. – TradeArabia News Service