New flagship Sun & Sand Sports retail destination sets a global retail benchmark with cutting edge technology and innovative design -

Gulf Marketing Group anticipates 22 per cent growth in retail sales across Sun & Sand Sports portfolio in 2015-2016 compared to 2014 - 2015, reflecting confident industry outlook -

12 May 2015, Dubai, UAE

Sun & Sand Sports, the region's leading sports retailer, has set a global benchmark with the opening of a first-of-its-kind digital concept store in The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping destination. 

Occupying 18,395 square feet in the heart of The Dubai Mall, the store provides a dynamic digital environment to satisfy modern consumer demand for real-time information and innovation at every touch point. 

Showcasing the latest touch-screen and digital technology, the concept store offers an interactive journey and enables visitors the opportunity to make informed decisions on their purchases via dedicated digital hubs throughout the store.  Cutting edge facilities such as interactive buying guides and video screens highlighting product benefits are backed by immersive experiences, such as football and basketball trial experiences.

Personalisation is central to the new retail destination. Home to a new customisation station CRE-8, Sun & Sand Sports enables customers to personalise many of the products offered throughout the store.  From football boots and jerseys to t-shirts and cap embroidery, Sun & Sand Sports offers discerning customers the opportunity to create their own signature look, similarly surfers and skateboarders can tailor any designs for their boards allowing them to express their creativity and lifestyle.

The new Sun & Sand Sports retail concept will also offer a digital stylist within the women's fitting rooms that will recommend products and styles to the customers, accompanied by a personalised playlist.

Commenting on the opening of the Sun & Sand Sports concept store at The Dubai Mall, Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman Gulf Marketing Group said "This is an exciting and dynamic time for Gulf Marketing Group and indeed the UAE retail industry as a whole. The A.T. Kearney Global Retail Development Index™ (GRDI) 2014 demonstrated that the GCC continues to show strength as a dynamic retail market, with the UAE climbing one spot to claim the fourth position globally and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also demonstrating strong growth. According to the A. T. Kearney Global Retail Development Index, retail sales grew five percent in the UAE in 2013, boosting annual sales to $66 billion, and 2015 is on track to deliver recording breaking retail growth in the region.  We are confident that the launch of our new flagship concept store at The Dubai Mall, which saw almost 80 million visitors last year will help contribute to the anticipated overall sales uplift of 22 per cent across the Sun & Sand Sports portfolio". 

Factors contributing to this renewed confidence in the exponential growth of the regional retail industry include the construction and infrastructure boom, the burgeoning young population, coupled with strong GDP growth, and increasing consumer spending. Baker continued: "There have been significant developments in the retail industry in the UAE and across the GCC.  Customers are becoming more sophisticated and demanding. The new flagship Sun & Sand Sports concept store at The Dubai Mall revolutionises the entire customer journey, whilst cutting edge technology has created an innovative experience never seen before in the region.  We have designed the store with our customers in mind and are confident that discerning visitors to the new Sun & Sand Sports concept store at The Dubai Mall will be inspired."

The Sun & Sand Sports concept store has been designed in response to contemporary trends of digital culture and social media dominance. It offers the world's leading brands and products in a premium format that champions innovation, unexpected new experiences, and expert staff and knowledge.

"Retailers need to engage with their customers in new ways," said Miquel Pancorbo, COO of Sports Division - Gulf Marketing Group. "The UAE has a growing need for more urban retail environments which reflect the lifestyle and demands of customers.  With this Sun & Sand Sports concept store, we have made the shopping experience a fun, entertaining and personalised journey for our customers.  We have invested in the latest technology, design and service concepts to create something truly unique. Pancorbo continued: "We have worked with leading designers and technologists from around the world, to create a truly immersive experience, one which brings that shopping journey to life."

The opening of the new concept store represents a significant milestone in the history of Sun & Sand Sports, and the next evolution of Gulf Marketing Group. 

Sun & Sand Sports, part of Gulf Marketing Group, stocks apparel, footwear and accessories in more than 40 stores across five markets in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Ahmad Ibrahim, Corporate Communications Manager, Gulf Marketing Group: +971 4 3504 444 Ext 508,ahmad.i@gmg.com

Natalie Amos, Baiba Upmale, Ghali Houri, Joanna Robertson, Four Communications +971 555 688 761 GulfMarketingGroup@fourcommunications.com

About Sun & Sand Sports:
Sun & Sand Sports was established in 1979 and was the first business set up as part of the Gulf Marketing Group. The group encompasses more than 90 diverse sports brands as well as 50 major global brands. There are currently over 120 stores across six markets in the Middle East including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman

About GMG:
Gulf Marketing Group is a UAE-based holding company with operations in retail, commercial, industrial, education, healthcare & pharmacies, real estate & service oriented projects.  Established in 1978, it has grown to become one of the region's leading businesses in many of its sectors. 

© Press Release 2015