UK retail boost - M&S open in Beirut
Iconic British brand Marks & Spencer celebrates the upcoming launch of its store with a fashion show at British Ambassador's residence
Marks & Spencer in Lebanon
The iconic British retail brand Marks & Spencer celebrated their arrival in Lebanon with a reception, featuring a fashion show, held at the British Ambassador’s residence in Yarze. The event was hosted by Ambassador Tom Fletcher, and attended by Minister of Tourism Fady Abboud, Pop Stars Elissa and Nancy Ajram, Miss Lebanon 2013 Reina Chibani, and Romy Chibani - first runner up. In addition, various commercial, social, political and media figures were present.
Super Star Elissa
During the event, Ambassador, Fletcher said: British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher: “Having a flagship British brand like M&S in Beirut is great news for Lebanon, and for Britain. British companies are at the heart of Beirut’s retail boom, generating confidence here and jobs at home.”
On the reasons behind selecting Beirut as a new destination for M&S in the Middle East, Mrs Mariam Chahin, M&S’s Head of Marketing, said, “It is imperative to be present in Lebanon, a country that is at the forefront of fashion and trend in the region. We at Al-Futtaim Group, together with the M&S team from the UK, are very excited to expand our portfolio to include Lebanon.”
Notes to editors:
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UK Trade and Investment offers tailored services for UK and Lebanese businesses, as part of their support to the economies of the UK and Lebanon. In the first quarter, trade between the UK and Lebanon increased by 21%.
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The Ambassador’s residence has hosted launches of several British companies arriving in Lebanon, such as British Airways and Wedgwood ceramics. The Embassy has been active in welcoming other British businesses to Lebanon, including Virgin Radio and Ted Baker in May 2013.
About Al-Futtaim Group
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The new M&S store will be operated under a long-standing existing franchise agreement with Al-Futtaim Group, working with M&S for over 14 years.
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Al-Futtaim Group operates 18 M&S stores in UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt.
About Marks & Spencer
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Marks & Spencer is one of the UK’s leading retailers. M&S sells high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality food. 20 million customers visit M&S stores each week and it employs over 81,000 people s across the globe.
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M&S was founded over 128 years ago and currently has over 760 UK stores and over 420 international stores in over 50 territories across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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The first M&S store in Beirut will open in City Center Mall in July, and will sell a range of great quality fashion for Women, Men and Kids.
Useful information
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Follow the British Embassy in Lebanon on Twitter: @UKinlebanon
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Follow Ambassador Tom Fletcher on Twitter: @HMATomFletcher
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We are on Facebook: facebook.com/ukinlebanon
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Check out the event photos: flickr.com/ukinlebanon
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Visit our website: www.gov.uk/government/world/Lebanon
Last updated 12 June 2013 + show all updates
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Added translation
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First published.
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Added translation