Marka, a UAE-based premier retail operator, today announced the launch of a new home-grown retail concept – Paris 68 – celebrating the talent of the young local high street apparel and design industry.

The first Paris 68 outlet will open in Q1 of this year, with another 10 outlets planned for the UAE and more for the GCC in both ‘shop-in-shop’ and dedicated mono-brand store formats, said the company.

Khaled Al Mheiri, vice chairman and CEO of Marka, said: “This is an entirely new retail concept developed in-house by Marka’s team of retail experts. Paris 68 is set to offer shoppers an experience unlike anything else Marka has offered before. It is truly a revolution in retailing – not only because it showcases a collection created by local designers, rising high street industry stars and university students, but also because it puts local talent at the very heart of the Paris 68 brand.”

Al Mheiri added: “The UAE government emphasises the importance of supporting youth creativity, and Marka has been inspired to create the Paris 68 retail concept - a salute to youth creativity and athleisure wear. This innovative home-grown UAE brand supports youth mentorship initiatives, by encouraging UAE-based students to provide ideas for Paris 68; the designs are created by millennials for millennials.”

The resulting Paris 68 collection will be a fusion of sportswear and street wear, where apparel, watches, perfumes, sunglasses and accessories feature designs inspired by renowned football teams like world-famous Real Madrid, favourite superheroes, and even blockbuster movies. The home-grown retail experience will see Marka as the first retail operator in the UAE to be launching this type of concept.

Paris 68 complements an already impressive collection within Marka’s growing retail portfolio and will feature in Dubai within Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Center, in Abu Dhabi’s newly-opened World Trade Center and Yas Mall, and in Sharjah at the popular Sahara Centre. - TradeArabia News Service