Organic health and beauty retailer Neal’s Yard Remedies has struck a deal with Middle East franchise partner Kamal Osman Jamjoom to open 50 stores in the region in the next five years.
The retailer will launch in six territories in the Middle East and the first store will make its debut this autumn in Dubai. Further openings will concentrate on key shopping malls in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Neal’s Yard Remedies managing director Jonathan Hook said: “The Middle East presents a huge growth opportunity for us. Our goal is to become the leading premium organic beauty brand globally and this is a very important step in that journey.”
Kamal Osman Jamjoom, which has established Body Shop and Early Learning Centre in the region already, approached Neal’s Yard Remedies about the business opportunity last year. Founder Kamal Jamjoom said: “The Middle East is going through a very exciting retail growth phase and the organic remedies and herbs fit well with our culture. There is a heritage of natural ingredients and spices that originated from the herbs trade days when these ingredients passed through Arabia on their way to Europe. Neal’s Yard Remedies will marry well with that heritage.”
The Middle East stores will mirror Neal’s Yard Remedies’ shops in the UK and its herbs and ingredients will be sourced locally, although the products will still be made at its eco-factory in Dorset.
The retailer is also seeking partners to launch in the US and Thailand as it plans to expand in 10 international markets. It operates 14 stores in Japan already.
Neal’s Yard Remedies has also ramped up its UK expansion and wants to increase its store count from 34 to 50 by 2010.
The retailer launched in London’s Covent Garden in 1981. Organic farmer Peter Kindersley, who co-founded publisher Dorling Kindersley, bought a controlling stake in the business in 2005.
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