GUCCI SPRING 2014 RTW.
Further emphasizing its presence in the Gulf region, Gucci has announced a joint venture with its Bahrain-based partner, Taleela Co. W.L.L.
Thus far, the Italian luxury brand has had a franchise relationship with Taleela, which resulted in the brand’s first Bahrain store in 2009, at Moda Mall in Bahrain’s World Trade Center.
This move follows Gucci’s buyout of its franchise relationship with UAE-based retail operator, Al Tayer. “This is a further step in Gucci’s strategy to take direct control of our retail network and operations in the Middle East,” explained Patrizio di Marco, President and CEO of Gucci. “This is in line with our overall retail strategy, which seeks to continuously take direct control of the brand’s distribution to further enhance the consistency of the consumer’s experience across different markets.”
The signing ceremony was hosted by Bahrain’s Economic Development Board and attended by Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transport and Acting Chief Executive, along with a number of other representatives from Gucci, Taleela, and the EDB.
“Gucci’s decision to begin new activities in Bahrain is testament to the Kingdom’s strong economic growth, particularly in the non-oil economy, and the attractiveness of the Kingdom to regional visitors,” added Kamal bin Ahmed.
