Marks & Spencer (M&S), the iconic British retailer, today celebrated the official opening of its brand new store at the Beirut City Centre shopping mall - its first store in the Lebanese market.
The new store, operated by M&S's long term franchise partner Al Futtaim Group, is in line with the retailer's international strategy to build a strong presence in the Middle East, as one of its priority international markets. To mark the important milestone, Mr. Paul Khawaja, Commercial Attaché at the British Embassy, joined Mr. John Cooper, Managing Director of Marks & Spencer Al Futtaim, to officially open the store with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
Located in the heart of Hazmieh, the Beirut City Centre shopping mall is the city's latest shopping destination and is now home to M&S's new almost 1,800 square metre store. Today for the first time Lebanese customers were able to shop the retailer's extensive range of exceptional quality, stylish fashions across womenswear, menswear, kidswear and lingerie - as well as accessories, footwear, sleepwear and beauty products.
The store features M&S's latest in-store format which provides shoppers with an inviting and inspiring shopping environment. 31 local jobs have been created at the store, with all Lebanese employees fully trained to offer customers the highest level of customer service.
Mr. Paul Khawaja, Commercial Attaché at the British Embassy, commented at the event: "We are delighted to celebrate the long-awaited launch of this iconic British brand in Lebanon. Having a flagship brand like M&S in Beirut is great news, for Lebanon and for Britain. British companies are at the heart of Beirut's retail boom, generating confidence here and jobs in the UK".
From his side, Mr. John Cooper, Managing Director of Marks & Spencer Al Futtaim said: "We're delighted to be entering the Lebanese market for the first time, as we bring the iconic British brand, Marks & Spencer to shoppers in Beirut. Al Futtaim Group is focussed on ensuring we offer customers quality fashion and the best shopping experience. We are looking forward to building our M&S business and offering the Lebanese men, women and kids innovative fashion lines that live up to their expectations"
Quality, stylish fashion
Established in 1884, M&S is the UK's largest clothing retailer, with a strong market position across womenswear, lingerie and menswear. Exceptional quality and confident style are at the heart of the M&S clothing offer.
Customers can choose from quality, timeless wardrobe staples such as linen trousers and perfect everyday t-shirts as well as trend-led wearable fashion pieces with vibrant prints and bold colour. The store's clothing collection also feature a host of clever product innovations, for example suits that are fully machine washable and Secret SupportTM lingerie which gives women a more flattering silhouette.
M&S offers a range of exclusive sub-brands, each with its own distinct look and identity, aimed to best meet the personal style preference of its customers. For example in womenswear, Autograph emulates affordable designer quality with exquisite, understated elegance and luxury fabrics, whilst Indigo is the retailer's authentic fashion denim and casualwear range. In menswear, Collezione is inspired by all things Italian with attention to detail in every suave, stylish piece, whilst North Coast takes a relaxed approach, with causal, authentic laid back style.
With a wide range of offering, M&S aims to be the lifestyle complement choice of the Lebanese people.
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