industry
Retail
Expansion strategy, partner selection and rollout orchestration for brands and retail operators in the Gulf.
the challenge
Retail growth in the Gulf is driven by destination malls, mixed-use developments, tourism inflows, and digitally savvy consumers. For international brands and retail operators, traction depends on disciplined market selection, the right franchise or Joint Venture partner, credible developer relationships, and commercial models that reflect local expectations on assortment, service levels, and payments.
Expansion requires navigating fragmented ownership structures, varied franchise groups, country-specific commercial norms, and landlord expectations, all while securing access to high-priority developers and mall operators.
our expertise
How we can help
Market and country prioritisation for retail entry and expansion
Partner identification for master franchisees and operators
B2B matchmaking with developers, mall operators, franchise groups, and retail investors
Route-to-market support across flagship, shop-in-shop, pop-up, and omnichannel formats
Localisation and positioning guidance for proposals and commercial negotiations
Retail-focused trade missions and buyer visits aligned with developer calendars
Representative office setup for in-market presence and partner management
our impact
How we do it
We convert expansion strategies into structured engagement with mall developers, franchise groups, retail investors, and platform operators. This creates senior access, a qualified pipeline, and clear progression from initial interest to concrete commercial conversations.
Our approach ensures brands navigate the Gulf retail landscape with clarity, focusing on the right partners, the right markets, and the right formats, while maintaining disciplined follow-up and stakeholder alignment throughout the expansion process.
