Apparel Group
{{Short description|UAE-based fashion and retail conglomerate}}
{{Infobox company
| logo = File:apparel-group-logo.png
| logo_size =
| name = Apparel Group
| type = Private Company
| foundation = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|1996}} by Sima Ved
| revenue = 2 Billion USD (2023)https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/apparel-group-asics-gcc/|
| location = Dubai, UAE
| industry = Fashion & Retail
| products = Fabrics, garments, designer wear, denim, cosmetics, fashion accessories, footwear, icecream, coffeehouse and restaurant chain
| homepage = {{URL|https://apparelgroup.com/}}
}}
Apparel Group LLC is a UAE based fashion and retail conglomerate company headquartered in Dubai, UAE.{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/economy/nykaa-forges-alliance-with-dubai-lifestyle-conglomerate-apparel-group/1157023/|title=Nykaa forge ties with Dubai's Apparel Group to expand business in Gulf countries|first=Abhirup|last=Roy|date=October 6, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae-success-stories/like-parents-like-daughter-meet-selina-ved-of-dubais-apparel-group-who-is-all-set-to-make-beauty-her-business-1.1616125689194|title=Like parents, like daughter: Meet Selina Ved of Dubai's Apparel Group who is all set to make beauty her business|website=gulfnews.com}}
Apparel Group operates more than 2300 retail stores with more than 85 brands,{{Cite web |title=الافتتاح الرسمي لمتجر "Nysaa" بدبي.. لحظة محورية في عالم تجارة مستحضرات التجميل بطلاتها نساء! {{!}} مجلة سيدتي |url=https://www.sayidaty.net/%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84/%D9%85%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1/1738071-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1-nysaa-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.sayidaty.net |language=ar}}{{Cite web |title=Carrefour to open 50 stores in next 5 years in north India |url=https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/carrefour-to-open-50-stores-in-next-5-years-in-north-india/113639424 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website= |language=en}} and is functional in 14 countries, mostly in the GCC region, such as UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Egypt, South Africa, and Indonesia.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/apparel-group-nykaa-partner-to-set-up-omnichannel-beauty-retail-platform-in-gcc/,%20https://gulfbusiness.com/apparel-group-nykaa-partner-to-set-up-omnichannel-beauty-retail-platform-in-gcc/|title=Apparel Group, Nykaa partner to set up omnichannel beauty retail platform in GCC|first=Neesha|last=Salian|date=October 7, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/retail-brand-toms-gives-10-10000-grants-to-10-mental-health-focused-organisations/,%20https://gulfbusiness.com/retail-brand-toms-gives-10-10000-grants-to-10-mental-health-focused-organisations/|title=TOMS gives 10 $10,000 grants to 10 mental health-focused organisations|first=Neesha|last=Salian|date=October 10, 2022}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 8, 2022 |title=Nykaa enters into strategic alliance with Middle East-based apparel group |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/08/10/2022/nykaa-enters-into-strategic-alliance-with-middle-east-based-apparel-group |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 9, 2022 |title=Toms celebrates World Mental Health Day with '10x10' campaign |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/09/10/2022/toms-celebrates-world-mental-health-day-with-10x10-campaign |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/huda-beautys-mona-kattan-and-apparel-groups-sima-ved-to/335005|title=Huda Beauty's Mona Kattan And Apparel Group's Sima Ved To Headline Dtec Forum, Powered By Entrepreneur Middle East, In June|first=Entrepreneur Middle East|last=Staff|date=June 9, 2019|website=Entrepreneur}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/teen-entrepreneur-sarisha-ved-on-starting-her-sustainable-e-commerce-venture|title=Teen Entrepreneur Sarisha Ved on starting her sustainable e-commerce venture|first=Somya|last=Mehta|website=Khaleej Times}}
History
Apparel Group was founded by Sima Ved in 1996. Their first venture was the franchisee of Nine West in Dubai.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/corporate/story/how-does-the-nykaa-apparel-group-partnership-help-the-two-companies-349775-2022-10-13|title=How does the Nykaa-Apparel Group partnership help the two companies?|date=October 13, 2022|website=Business Today}}{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/friday/apparel-group-is-official-gold-sponsor-of-world-corporate-summit-2022-1.1666364386512|title=Apparel Group is official Gold sponsor of World Corporate Summit 2022|website=gulfnews.com}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/indias-nykaa-dubais-apparel-group-forge-gcc-alliance-2022-10-06/|title=India's Nykaa and Dubai's Apparel Group forge Gulf alliance|newspaper=Reuters |date=October 6, 2022|via=www.reuters.com}}
Apparel Group has over 85 brands, including 6thStreet, which has over 1200 international brands, Aéropostale (clothing), Nine West, Aldo Group, Charles & Keith, Tim Hortons, Dune London, Inglot Cosmetics, The Children's Place, Skechers, Cold Stone Creamery, Tommy Hilfiger (company), LC Waikiki,{{Cite web|url=https://insideretail.asia/2022/10/10/indias-nykaa-and-dubais-apparel-group-forge-gulf-alliance/|title=India's Nykaa and Dubai's Apparel Group forge Gulf alliance|date=October 10, 2022|website=Inside Retail}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/apparel-group-launches-20-new-fashion-lifestyle-and-f-and-b-brands-in-place-vendome-in-qatar-su37k7jf|title=Apparel Group launches 20 new fashion, lifestyle & F&B Brands in Place Vendôme in Qatar|first=Press|last=Release|website=www.zawya.com}} Ardene, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Birkenstock, Call It Spring, Calvin Klein, Crocs, Forest Essentials, Hush Puppies, Levi's, Steve Madden, ASICS{{Cite web |title=ASICS, Apparel Group to launch ASICS retail stores in GCC |url=https://www.tradearabia.com/news/RET_404250.html |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.tradearabia.com}} and Toms.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |title=Apparel Group’s loyalty program rewards customers with five times Club Apparel points |url=https://gulfnews.com/friday/friday-partner/apparel-groups-loyalty-program-rewards-customers-with-five-times-club-apparel-points-1.1691567393839 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}
In August 2021, Apparel Group headquarters earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification through the US Green Building Council.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-13 |title=UAE retail heavyweight Apparel Group’s HQ and warehouses get LEED Platinum |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae-retail-heavyweight-apparel-groups-hq-and-warehouses-get-leed-platinum-1.1628855533009 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}
In April 2022, the company launched 20 stores at the Place Vendôme mall in Lusail City, Qatar.{{Cite news |title=Apparel Group expands Qatar footprint with launch of 20 stores at Place Vendôme mall in Lusail City |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/qatar/qatar-industries/apparel-group-expands-qatar-footprint-with-launch-of-20-stores-at-place-vendome-mall-in-lusail-city |work=Arabian Business}} In October, Apparel Group entered into a partnership with Indian cosmetics retailer Nykaa to build Nysaa, a multi-brand beauty retail business in the GCC where Nykaa will hold a 55% stake of the entity and Apparel Group will hold 45%.{{Cite web |title=India's Nykaa and Dubai's Apparel Group forge Gulf alliance |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/indias-nykaa-dubais-apparel-group-forge-gcc-alliance-2022-10-06/ |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Aby Sam |date=2024-04-17 |title=Nysaa, A Joint Venture Between UAE-Based Apparel Group And India-Based Nykaa, Makes A Stylish Debut In The GCC |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/entrepreneurs/nysaa-a-joint-venture-between-uae-based-apparel-group-and/472823 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Entrepreneur |language=en}} In March 2024, Nysaa opened its first store at the City Centre Mirdif in Dubai, and in May announced a partnership with Kay Beauty, a beauty brand owned by Katrina Kaif to offer its products through Nysaa store.{{Cite web |last=Munyal |first=Panna |date=2024-06-12 |title=Katrina Kaif says her make-up and skincare regime is a mix of Kay Beauty and common sense |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/2024/05/01/katrina-kaif-kay-beauty-routine/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=The National |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fatima |first=Sakina |date=2024-06-12 |title=Video: Katrina Kaif takes her business to UAE |url=https://www.siasat.com/video-katrina-kaif-takes-her-business-to-uae-3020974/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en-US}}
As of February 2023, Apparel Group launched 19 new store locations in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA, and India.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-16 |title=Apparel Group opens 19 new stores as part of its expansion plan 2023 |url=https://gulfnews.com/friday/beauty/apparel-group-opens-19-new-stores-as-part-of-its-expansion-plan-2023-1.1676557394454 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}} In March, the group entered into a partnership with the Indian ayurvedic brand, Forest Essentials to distribute their skincare products through the Apparel Group's stores.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Apparel Group and Forest Essentials to bring authentic ayurvedic products to region |url=https://gulfnews.com/friday/friday-partner/apparel-group-and-forest-essentials-to-bring-authentic-ayurvedic-products-to-region-1.1679572008390 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=البيان |first=دبي- |date=2024-03-02 |title=«فورست إسينشيالز» ينطلق في دبي هيلز مول |url=https://www.albayan.ae/economy/uae/2024-03-03-1.4831288 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.albayan.ae |language=ar}} In May, Apparel Group announced the opening of 12 new retail stores at Al Khiran Mall in Kuwait.{{Cite web |last=Bhat |first=Divsha |date=2023-05-02 |title=Apparel Group expands presence in Kuwait with 12 new store openings |url=https://gulfbusiness.com/apparel-group-expands-presence-in-kuwait/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |language=en-US}} In September, the group agreed with Firehouse Subs to operate 100 restaurants in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-11 |title=Firehouse Subs, Apparel Group agree to expand in United Arab Emirates, Oman |url=https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/firehouse-subs-apparel-group-agree-expand-united-arab-emirates-oman |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}} In November, in association with Forever New, the apparel group opened 3 Forever New stores in Kuwait.{{Cite web |last=Newspaper |first=The Peninsula |date=2024-06-12 |title=Apparel Group launches Qatar’s first Forever New store |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/07/05/2024/apparel-group-launches-qatars-first-forever-new-store |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}
Through 2023, the Group launched 350 new stores in various locations and entered into partnerships with several brands including Forest Essentials, Allo Beirut and Asics.{{Cite web |last=Apparel |first=Indian |date=2024-01-15 |title=Apparel Group Unveils New R&B Store In Ahmedabad |url=https://www.indian-apparel.com/apparel-group-unveils-new-rb-store-in-ahmedabad/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Apparel News, Textile News, Latest Events, Exhibitions, B2B Directory - indian-apparel.com |language=en-US}}
In February 2024, Apparel Group launched a shoe design studio at KidZania, Dubai Mall, an educational and entertainment studio that allows children to design and color their shoes using diverse materials.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=Apparel Group's Skechers unveils innovative shoe design studio at KidZania |url=https://gulfnews.com/friday/friday-partner/apparel-groups-skechers-unveils-innovative-shoe-design-studio-at-kidzania-1.1707482083351 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}} In April, Apparel Group was an official sponsor of the Retail Summit 2024 which was held on 23–24 April in Dubai.{{Cite web |last=None |title=Mona Kattan, Sima Ved to headline The Retail Summit 2024 in Dubai |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/mona-kattan-sima-ved-to-headline-the-retail-summit-2024-in-dubai |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}} In May, Apparel Group launched its first Forever New store at Doha Festival City in Qatar, and announced that it plans to launch 40 Forever New stores through the partnership across the Arab world before 2027.{{Cite web |last=Newspaper |first=The Peninsula |date=2024-06-12 |title=Apparel Group launches Qatar’s first Forever New store |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/07/05/2024/apparel-group-launches-qatars-first-forever-new-store |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}} In the same month, the Apparel Group-owned R&B Fashion which was launched in Muscat Grand Mall in October 2012 announced that it plans to launch 200 stores across the GCC and India by the end of 2025.{{Cite news |date=2024-05-21 |title=Dubai brand R&B Fashion plans to open 200 new stores in GCC and India - Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/retail/dubai-brand-rb-fashion-plans-to-open-200-new-stores-in-gcc-and-india#:~:text=R&B%20Fashion,%20Dubai-based%20Apparel,fashion%20brands%20in%20the%20region |access-date=2024-06-12 |work=Arabian Business |language=en-US}}
In June 2024, Apparel Group launched the first branch of Allo Beirut, a Dubai-born Lebanese street food restaurant in the Al Olaya district, Riyadh.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10 |title=Say ‘allo’ to authentic Lebanese street food in Riyadh |url=https://arab.news/gjzf7 |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=Arab News |language=en}} In September, the company entered into a franchise partnership with Carrefour to expand into India with an initial opening in North India with further expansion planned across the country,{{Cite news |title=Carrefour teams up with Dubai's Apparel Group to expand into India |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/carrefour-teams-up-with-dubais-apparel-group-expand-into-india-2024-09-09/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-09 |title=Carrefour inks franchise partnership with Dubai's Apparel Group to expand into India |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/carrefour-inks-franchise-partnership-with-dubais-apparel-group-to-expand-into-india-1.1725868299789 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Carrefour 'ceases operations' in Jordan, apologises for 'any inconvenience' |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/corporate/carrefour-ceases-operations-in-jordan-apologises-for-any-inconvenience |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}} and signed an agreement with Barbour to become its exclusive distribution partner in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.{{Cite web |title=Dubai's Apparel Group Partners With Barbour—Here Are The Details |url=https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/industry/business/dubais-apparel-group-signs-partnership-deal-with-uk-based-barbour-to-facilitate-middle-east-expansion |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Forbes ME |language=en-US}} In October, Apparel Group participated in a $10 million seed funding round for UAE-based proptech startup Prypco led by Shorooq Partners,{{Cite web |last=Salian |first=Neesha |date=2024-10-24 |title=Proptech firm PRYPCO raises $10m in seed funding |url=https://gulfbusiness.com/proptech-firm-prypco-secures-10m-in-funding/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-26 |title=Startup Wrap – Saudi firms continue to lead regional activity |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2576852/business-economy |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Arab News |language=en}} and signed an agreement with Mobily to allow Mobily customers to redeem their Noqati rewarding points while shopping from Apparel Group brands.{{Cite news |title="أباريل" تبرم اتفاقية شراكة مع "موبايلي" لتعزيز تجربة ولاء العملاء |url=https://www.alriyadh.com/2101520 |work=Alriyadh}}
In 2024, Apparel Group was named by Arabian Business among the 100 Best Large Workplaces for Women in the GCC.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Revealed: 100 best places for women to work in the GCC - Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/revealed-100-best-places-for-women-to-work-in-the-gcc |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=www.arabianbusiness.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=Revealed: 100 best places to work for Saudi nationals - Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/jobs/revealed-100-best-places-to-work-for-saudi-nationals |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.arabianbusiness.com |language=en-US}}
Operations
Apparel Group operates in 14 countries, mostly in the GCC region including UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Egypt and South Africa. The group has over 85 brands.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/corporate-news/apparel-group-brand-aldo-celebrates-its-festive-collection-with-janhvi-kapoor-at-the-dubai-mall-1.1670484128298|title=Apparel Group brand ALDO celebrates its festive collection with Janhvi Kapoor at The Dubai Mall|website=gulfnews.com}}