Japanese sports brand ASICS and retail conglomerate Apparel Group have partnered to launch ASICS retail stores in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.
This strategic partnership signifies the rapid expansion of ASICS in the GCC region.
General manager of ASICS Arabia, Mano Takayuki, said: “We are very proud to partner with Apparel Group for the launch of ASICS stores in the GCC. This marks a new stage of growth for the brand in the Middle East and signifies our commitment to enhancing communities through sports.”
Under the franchise contract, a total of 20 stores will be launched within the next five. The first of these ASICS stores already opened in Qatar at Doha Festival City Mall on December 5, covering 165 square metres and showcasing running, tennis, padel, volleyball and kids collections.
The next openings in the pipeline will be rolled out in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
CEO of Apparel Group, Neeraj Teckchandani, said: “As Apparel Group continues its journey to strengthen its position as one of the leading retail conglomerates in the region and globally, we are proud to announce our strategic partnership with ASICS.
“With this partnership, Apparel Group remains committed to identifying innovative approaches to strategic alliances that enable us to stay at the forefront of consumer trends and grow our global footprint.”
Headquartered in Kobe, ASICS is a designer, manufacturer and retailer of high-performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories, established in 1949.
“The opening of ASICS stores in the region allows us to connect further with local, grass root sports communities and share our passion for movement and Sound Mind Sound Body philosophy,” said marketing manager of ASICS Arabia, Ana Seixas
” We are witnessing unparallel growth in running, tennis and padel sports in the Middle East, and we want to ensure we help those sports enthusiasts to find the right footwear and apparel to increase their performance.”
