Kuwait’s Alshaya to launch 32 brands in upcoming Mall of Qatar 

International retail franchise operator MH Alshaya Co is preparing to open 32 brands at the new Mall of Qatar, which is set for a soft opening on December 10.

Alshaya’s portfolio at the mall will include eight brands that will be making their debut in Qatar.

The brands opening for the first time in Qatar include The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria’s Secret, Texas Roadhouse, Le Pain Quotidien, Bridgewater Chocolate, Phase Eight, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids.

They will join a line-up of some of the world’s best-known brands including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, The Body Shop and Boots, Alshaya said in a statement.

“Alshaya’s strong presence at Mall of Qatar is a strong signal of our commitment to the Qatar market, which forms an important part of our ongoing growth plans across the Middle East,” said John Hadden, Alshaya’s senior vice-president for property development.

“We’re continually looking for opportunities to introduce our portfolio of well-loved international brands to our customers in our core markets, and the scale and vision of the Mall of Qatar gives us a great opportunity to extend the shopping and dining choices available to discerning, brand-savvy consumers in Qatar.”

Kuwait-based Alshaya already operates more than 100 stores in Qatar and the opening of 32 brands at Mall of Qatar represents Alshaya’s single biggest opening in the country.

In October, it was reported that Mall of Qatar had announced December 10 as the revised date for its soft launch.

Mall bosses said in a statement that the date will ensure a higher percentage of fitted out shops for a more comprehensive list of offerings from day one.