Doha: Qatar's fast growing economy gives more space for fashion industry, according to an expert. With international fashion and accessories opening up daily in Doha competition is raising.
"All over the gulf region, the competition is very strong," said Aram Babikian, the regional manager of the United Colors of Benetton. "We have all international brands and also local ones as the region is open to trading. There is space for more brands here," he told the Peninsula.
"People here are quiet fashionable and are the first to catch up with the latest trends. Their fashion sense is cutting edge and they know what's going on in the fashion industry. So the collection we have here is same as that in European countries."
Established in 1965 the Benetton Group today is present in 120 countries around the world. Its core business is fashion apparels with a strong Italian character whose style, quality and passion are clearly seen in its brands.
"Benetton is one of the oldest international brands and it's a very solid company. Also most of the stuffs are manufactured in Italy and quality and designs we have set us apart from rest. So we will be able to overcome the strong competition in the region."
The group's interest in the Middle East had widened since the opening of Doha showroom in corporation with the Al Mana Fashion Group few months ago.
"We are planning to open more shops. Next year we will open one more outlet which will be followed by more, later. Even though the brand is international, we have focalised collection for the region taking into consideration the climate, the custom need and the cultural needs such as long skirts, light fabrics," he said
"Business in Qatar is very encouraging. Taking into consideration the financial crisis the world is facing, in Qatar we do not have much problems. We are happy with the results so far. We see bright future for our business here. The turn out is positive and feedback so far is good. It's just that people need more time to readjust with the new Benetton image. Benetton is well known as a casual brand. The brand has gone through changes over the last few years and has a larger collection now," Babikian said.
The group had launched their winter collection recently.
By Huda N V
© The Peninsula 2008
