Waitrose has today opened the first of two new stores in Dubai, UAE, its first shops outside the UK.
The stores are being opened as part of a licensing partnership with local retailer Fine Fare Food Market LLC.
The first Waitrose opening is a new 55,000sq ft store in the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.
Another 26,000sq ft Waitrose shop will open in the Dubai Marina Mall in early December, with plans for more stores in the region, subject to the availability of suitable sites.
The two stores will employ about 300 staff between them.
FFFM will run the daily operation of the stores, supported by the Waitrose team in the UK.
To see the pictures of the store click here.
The new shops have been designed to reproduce the ambience of Waitrose while catering for the specific needs of local communities.
They will offer a wide range of fresh foods and groceries as well as dedicated delicatessen, meat, fish and cheese counters.
Mark Price, Waitrose managing director, said: “Growing our business internationally through a strong strategic partnership with Fine Fare Food Market will support our long-term growth plans.”
Earlier this year, Waitrose revealed a new Market Town format and in December it will launch its first convenience store in Nottingham.
