Beirut, Lebanon 2017 – AZADEA Group, the premier lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 50 leading international franchise concepts across the Middle East and Africa, opens 11 more flagship stores in the eagerly-anticipated, high-end ABC Verdun mall, which opened its doors to the public on July 28. In addition to introducing KIKO Milano, Azadea Group’s stores will include some of the premium brands the regional retail group manages such as Zara, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, and Sunglass Hut, covering 5,051 sqm of the total space area of the mall and comprising 11% of the total fashion and accessories category shops in ABC. Azadea’s total investment in ABC Verdun Mall is approximately US$ 8 million.
“Our commitment to Lebanon as a whole, and dedication to Verdun in particular for the past 25 years has been, and continues to be a passionate journey for us. We continuously strive to bring the latest fashion trends and most unique lifestyle experiences to our loyal Lebanese clientele year after year,” stated Wassim Daher, Chairman of the Board at AZADEA Group. He added: “The inauguration of the ABC Verdun comes as a great opportunity for us to extend our promise and enhance our customer experience through a modern setting. We have a long-standing relationship with the ABC Group and partnering on this latest venture is yet another stepping stone to further possibilities.”
Azadea Group has a proven track record as a franchise partner of choice for introducing best-in-class global retail concepts within the Middle East and Africa. As part of the company’s latest endeavor, Azadea will open the first ever KIKO Milano shop in Lebanon in ABC Verdun. First introduced to the Middle East in Dubai in 2016 through a joint venture between Azadea Group and the renowned Italian Percassi Group, this is the first time the beauty and cosmetics brand will have a presence in Lebanon. KIKO Milano is one of the world’s fastest-growing brands with over 1,000 stores in 15 countries and an online presence in 35 nations.
Azadea Group selected ABC Verdun for its new stores as it fits perfectly with the criteria the group seeks including a niche location, excellence in customer service, and a comprehensive outdoor experience offering customers variable entertaining and shopping possibilities.
“The opening of ABC Verdun marks a new dawn in the retail industry in Lebanon. Armed with years of expertise in building retail and lifestyle destinations, we are proud to bring our valued customers new experiences in a unique setting. Together with our partner Bahaa Rafic Hariri Group, and thanks to our unwavering faith in the future of Lebanon and the resilience of the Lebanese people, ABC Verdun sends a strong message of hope and optimism,” said Robert Fadel, Chairman and CEO of ABC. “Our long last partnership with AZADEA Group is even stronger now. ABC Verdun will host many of the group brands and will showcase innovative retail concepts.”
With hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets, ABC and BRH Group (Bahaa Rafic Hariri Group) have partnered to launch ABC Verdun. The opening of the uniquely designed eco- friendly ABC Verdun mall will welcome shoppers from the nearby neighborhoods of Verdun and Hamra as well as families and youngsters seeking new indoor/outdoor shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences.