Monday, Mar 28, 2016

Dubai: The Dubai headquartered retail operator Marka has confirmed that nine new Cheeky Monkeys Playland & Sweet Surprises franchised outlets are being planned for Saudi Arabia. This follows an agreement with a franchise partner in the kingdom.

Over the next five years, and when the franchise agreement is finalised between Marka and its partner in Saudi Arabia, there will be Cheeky Monkeys franchises opening in Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. This expansion will represent the first international expansion and first franchise agreement for Cheeky Monkeys, one of the most popular “edutainment” destinations for children under six years.

Nick Peel, the CEO of Marka, said, “This franchise expansion underlines our commitment to strengthening the presence of our brands not only in the UAE, but also across the GCC.

“The high demand for children’s edutainment has enabled us to expand the scope of Cheeky Monkeys and we are excited about the prospect partnering with a leading franchising company in Saudi Arabia to further expand our retail network.”

This regional franchise expansion follows the launch of the latest Cheeky Monkeys’ venue at Al Naeem Mall in Ras Al Khaimah earlier this year, which was the first time the ‘Play. Learn. Celebrate’ initiative debuted anywhere outside of Dubai.

“We are confident that Saudi Arabia has just the right demographic to embrace the ethos of Cheeky Monkeys, with a growing young population requiring educational and learning facilities in an enjoyable, fun and interactive environment,” said Peel.

“This franchise expansion is yet another step in the right direction for us in what is already shaping up to be a busy year as we continue to build a well-balanced portfolio of global and home-grown fashion, hospitality and sports brands.”

Cheeky Monkeys, which conducts more than 2,000 children’s events a year, was founded in 2010.

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