The latest launches reflect the Group’s commitment to evolving the luxury experience through regional expansion, innovative store concepts, and visionary design

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Etoile Group, the pioneering luxury fashion retail group, announces a series of new boutique openings and revamps across GCC. Reflecting the Group’s dynamic expansion strategy and its dedication to curating elevated experiences, the latest additions include new locations for Aquazzura in Dubai, UAE and CHANEL in Riyadh, KSA, alongside a revamped Etoile La Boutique in Doha.

With multiple stores opening in existing markets, these developments underscore the continued appetite for luxury retail across the GCC and the strength of Etoile Group’s brand partnerships. More than just retail footprints, each boutique represents the Group’s commitment to immersive, design-led spaces and “enhanced shopping experience” that mirror the evolving lifestyles of its discerning clientele.

Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group, commented, “As we continue to expand, our focus remains rooted in crafting experiences that are emotionally resonant, artistically inspired, and globally relevant. Whether we are entering a new market or reimagining an existing space, each Etoile Group boutique reflects our deep reverence for craftsmanship, innovation, and design.”

Highlights from Q1 2025

Aquazzura – Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Marking the brand’s third boutique in the UAE, the newly launched Aquazzura store at Mall of the Emirates further cements its growing presence in the region. True to the maison’s signature elegance, the boutique blends Italian sophistication with contemporary flair, a radiant haven for footwear and accessory aficionados.

Etoile La Boutique – Revamp at Galeries Lafayette, Doha

Etoile La Boutique continues to evolve with a complete design revamp of its Doha location. Thoughtfully reimagined to elevate the customer journey, the revamped boutique presents a refined curation of exclusive designer labels and coveted collections. From timeless fashion statements to exquisite accessories, every element is designed keeping the modern, fashion forward woman in mind.

CHANEL – Twin Boutique at Solitaire Mall, Riyadh

Etoile Group is proud to unveil the third CHANEL boutique in Saudi Arabia, situated in Riyadh’s newly opened Solitaire Mall. Spanning 538 square meters, the new concept introduces a ‘twin boutique’ format, one dedicated to Fashion and the other to Watches & Fine Jewelry.

Samer Khouri, Managing Director of Etoile Group, added, “The group continues going with its Q1 plan of new stores openings and strengthening its footprints in the different GCC countries, the momentum we are seeing across our markets highlights the trust our partners place in us, and the loyalty of our clientele. Each launch is a step forward in our mission to shape the future of luxury retail in the region.”

As part of its strategic growth and digital transformation plans, Etoile Group also recently introduced the Etoile La Boutique mobile application, offering a personalised digital retail journey for its clients. Powered by advanced algorithms, the app analyzes browsing and purchasing behavior to provide bespoke product recommendations tailored to each individual. Since its launch in October 2024, the app has been downloaded over 2,000 times, with 40% of Etoile La Boutique’s sales in March 2025 driven through the platform. This is a strong reflection of its growing impact with today’s luxury consumer.

These initiatives form a core part of Etoile Group’s broader 2025 roadmap, which includes further regional expansion, digital innovation, and a continued focus on design excellence and customer connection.

About Etoile Group:

Etoile Group has been weaving the Middle East and global luxury fashion houses together since 1983. A true pioneer and industry innovator, we began by bringing the very first Chanel boutique to the Arabian Gulf 40 years ago and have brought the same spirit of innovation and sophistication to our work ever since. Today, in the Arabian Gulf and Levant, we continue to partner with the best in luxury fashion – Chanel, Valentino, Etro, Aquazzura, Ralph Lauren, Tod’s and Hogan – as well as operating our own multi-brand, Etoile La Boutique. ​

Etoile Group is a family business, fashioned with passion and purpose by our founder and president Ingie Chalhoub. Following an intuitive business model, we partner with brands and individuals who share our commitment to innovation, and hold a deep reverence of design, artisanship and aesthetics. With a team culture that encourages growth and learning, our sense of ethics is the thread that runs through our sourcing and supplier partnerships, our respect for the environment and our sustainable approach to growth.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

Acquisition of Indiana-based IDS Fulfillment adds 1.3 million square feet of multi-customer DC space in Indiana, Utah, and Georgia.

The German logistics solutions provider DHL Supply Chain today said it has acquired Plainfield, Indiana-based e-commerce fulfillment and retail distribution logistics provider IDS Fulfillment, marking the second e-commerce purchase in North America for DHL in 2025.

The buyout follows DHL Supply Chain’s January purchase of Inmar’s reverse logistics business, which made it the largest returns processing provider in North America.

Now, this latest acquisition adds over 1.3 million square feet of multi-customer warehouse and distribution space at IDS’ facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana, Salt Lake City, Utah, Atlanta, Geogia, and Plainfield, Indiana.

DHL said it made the move as more multi-national organizations are seeking to establish fulfillment capabilities in North America. “E-Commerce has been a growth driver for DHL in recent years and is an important focus in our Strategy 2030 agenda,” Patrick Kelleher, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, said in a release. “The acquisition of IDS Fulfillment not only expands our operational footprint but also ensures small and midsized companies have access to our state-of-the-art logistics solutions designed for their specific requirements.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but DHL said it will continue to operate all IDS facilities under existing local leaders.

News Credits- DC VELOCITY

India and the UK on Tuesday announced a long-hoped-for free trade pact, in a mega-deal that’s Britain’s biggest post-Brexit agreement. It was signed and sealed in the shadow of US President Donald Trump’s tariff rises.

The deal sees the world’s fifth and sixth-biggest economies finally reaching agreement after three years of on-off talks with the aim being to increase trade between the two by a further £25.5 billion by 2040.

It should mean easier market access for both countries and fewer trade restrictions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deal should “catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies,”

The deal lowers tariffs on a vast range of goods including cosmetics, whisky, advanced manufacturing parts and certain foods.

The UK government said British shoppers “could see cheaper prices and more choice on products including clothes [and] footwear [as the] UK liberalises tariffs.

Importantly too, there will also be enhanced copyright protections for the creative sector that “will give exporters confidence thanks to a commitment that their work will continue to be protected for at least 60 years”.

“We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy,” British PM Keir Starmer said. “Strengthening our alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of our plan for change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy here at home.”

India has long been one of the most protectionist markets but with its massive population it’s also one that’s a key target for many Western firms.

Talks between the UK and India began under the Conservative government in January 2022 after Brexit raised barriers to EU trade and also saw Britain negotiating its own deals for the first time in decades.

Both countries are also continuing to seek deals with the US to lessen the impact of president Trump’s tariffs. While the US hopes such tariffs will boost its domestic manufacturing and will encourage other countries to make deals with America, they’ve also underlined the urgency for other countries to make deals with each other.

Author Credits- Sandra Halliday, FASHION NETWORK

Cenomi Centers and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield signed a 10-year exclusive strategic and franchising partnership agreement, with the option to extend for another 10 years, covering the Saudi shopping center market. The move demonstrates Cenomi Centers’ unwavering commitment to strengthening its leadership position in the Kingdom and the MENA region.

Under this partnership, Cenomi Centers will obtain the exclusive licensing rights to the Westfield brand in the Kingdom from URW, and tap into URW’s best-in-class network and capabilities across a full range of support in key areas including leasing, operations, marketing, retail media and more, allowing Cenomi Centers’ Westfield-branded malls to be top-of-mind destinations for consumers, tourists and brands, while boosting its market share.

Under the Westfield brand, and with URW’s support, Cenomi Centers will offer Saudi residents and tourists the next generation of world-class shopping center experiences, boosting tourism and global engagement within the sector, acting as a powerful contributor to Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing quality of life, and opening the Kingdom to the world’s global retail champions.

The partnership was signed at a ceremony at Jawharat Riyadh, which also celebrated the initial collaboration on three malls, Jawharat Riyadh, Jawharat Jeddah and Nakheel Dammam, which will be the first to be branded as Westfield centers. More details on these three malls and others will follow in the coming months, with the collaboration set to extend across up to eight of Cenomi Centers’ portfolio of top malls.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking and exclusive partnership with URW, a global leader in the retail industry. This collaboration not only solidifies our position as the leading owner, operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia, but also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals for economic growth and development in both the sector and region. Together, we will cement our position as the leader in Saudi Arabia by introducing exciting new growth and tenancy opportunities for many years to come.”

Jean-Marie Tritant, CEO, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Cenomi Centers is an incredible partner that shares our vision for the future of retail. Its portfolio of flagship destinations matches the ambition of the Westfield brand, providing the perfect platform to deliver Westfield’s unmatched experience to customers and visitors in the Kingdom while also supporting the brand’s international expansion. We are tremendously proud of the partnership, and the opportunity to work with Cenomi Centers to contribute to the broader economic and development goals of the Kingdom.”

The partnership with URW is exclusive within the Kingdom and affirms Cenomi Centers’ premier and well-established position in its home market, showing a vote of confidence in its growth trajectory over the coming years. Key benefits include:

• Expanded consumer base: Westfield is one of the most recognizable global flagship mall brands, with over 900 million annual visits in the US and Europe. As the brand is highly known to and admired by Saudi consumers and the Kingdom’s increasing number of visitors, Cenomi Centers is able to significantly expand its customer base among Saudi citizens, residents and tourists.
• Enhanced tenant offerings: Access to URW’s unparalleled tenant and partner relationships will help Cenomi Centers increase its share of key global anchor brands and first-to-KSA stores, creating a superior, increasingly differentiated offering, and encouraging higher footfall and tenant sales.
• World-class customer experience: URW’s global experience and industry leadership will help Cenomi Centers to significantly enhance its customer experience, tenant mix and offering to international best-in-class standards. Cenomi Centers will bring the latest digital technologies and journeys, including in-mall apps and services, to the Saudi consumer.
• New growth opportunities: The partnership will boost Cenomi Centers’ financial performance in its existing and new developments, in both its core GLA business and also in digital media sales, leveraging the expertise and international reach of URW’s Westfield Rise retail media agency. This partnership also sees Cenomi Centers and URW collaborating on third party business opportunities serving the Kingdom’s major retail and lifestyle developments.
• Sustainability and operational efficacies: Cenomi Centers will be able to significantly boost sustainability and operational efficiencies across its portfolio by leveraging best-in-class tools, systems and manuals in the management of its daily operations.

The partnership entails fixed and variable licensing and service fees for URW along with opportunities for the companies to further collaborate on business and licensing opportunities within the Kingdom.

The partnership between Cenomi Centers and URW marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of retail and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. By combining Cenomi Centers’ unparalleled market leadership with URW’s global expertise and the Westfield brand, this collaboration promises to redefine the shopping experience in the region.

News Credits- ARAB NEWS

Meest China, a global logistics firm, is betting heavily on Nigeria’s expanding e-commerce sector. The company cites the country’s growing internet access, digital payment adoption, and increasing online shopping culture as key factors driving demand for smarter logistics solutions.

The International Business Development Director at Meest China, Bohdan Khomenko, outlined the company’s strategy for tapping into Africa’s burgeoning logistics market, with Nigeria standing out as a key growth hub.

“Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with over 220 million people. Many of them are increasingly eager to access quality services, not only in major cities but also in more remote regions,” Khomenko explained to The PUNCH.
This growing customer base is driving demand for reliable and efficient delivery systems, a trend Meest China aims to capitalize on.

The rise in internet penetration and e-commerce activity in Nigeria has been a crucial driver of this opportunity. Nigeria now ranks among the top five African nations in internet coverage, alongside South Africa, where Meest China also operates.

The surge in online banking, digital payment habits, and the growing culture of e-commerce make Nigeria a fertile ground for logistics expansion.

Khomenko noted that the Nigerian government’s commitment to digitalisation has further encouraged growth in the sector. Initiatives focused on integrating digital processes across various industries, alongside the encouragement of local businesses to adopt digital platforms, align well with Meest China’s services.

“Digital payments are becoming more common, and the public is gradually shifting away from cash transactions,” Khomenko said.

“This, coupled with a culture of trust in online transactions, creates an ideal environment for our logistics services, including deliveries from Chinese marketplaces, product sourcing, quality checks, and even customer lending.”

News Credits- msn

AESTURA is now exclusively available on Nykaa. With over 40 years of dermatological expertise, AESTURA has built a loyal following for its gentle yet high-performance formulations designed especially for sensitive skin. Endorsed by leading medical institutions across South Korea, the brand enters the Indian market with Nykaa as its exclusive partner.

AESTURA brings four decades of dermatological research, clinical innovation, and science-led skincare to Nykaa. Developed in close collaboration with 49 dermatologists, AESTURA’s formulations are grounded in medical insight and academic rigor, delivering high-performance solutions that strengthen, restore, and elevate skin health.

With a deep understanding of diverse concerns, from dryness and aging to barrier repair, the brand’s approach is rooted in treating skin holistically. Backed by extensive research on sensitive skin, AESTURA’s products are thoughtfully crafted to care for even the most delicate skin types.

One of AESTURA’s most impactful innovations lies in its medical device-certified moisturizers, like the ATOBARRIER line, prescribed across all tertiary hospitals in Korea.

Recognizing that skin concerns — such as atopic dermatitis, extend beyond the face, AESTURA obtained KFDA certifications to make full-body barrier-repairing skincare more accessible and insurance-supported, ensuring both efficacy and affordability.

AESTURA distinguishes itself as a leading dermo-cosmetic facial care brand and at the heart of this success is the ATOBARRIER365 collection, a Korean cult-favorite with one cream sold every 7 seconds globally. Formulated with one million ceramide capsules per bottle, this collection delivers 120 hours of hydration while strengthening the skin’s barrier.

The ATOBARRIER365 line, now available only on Nykaa, includes a skin barrier-repair routine, tailored for different skin types:

• Aestura Atobarrier365 Foaming Cleanser
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Face Lotion (a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner)
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream

A Nykaa Spokesperson, said “As K-Beauty continues to gain momentum in India, we are proud to bring another leading name from Korea exclusively to our platform. As the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Dermocosmetic Brand in Korea for Sensitive Skin, AESTURA represents everything today’s skincare lover seeks. The brand’s arrival on Nykaa marks an exciting chapter in our journey of delivering science-backed skincare to Indian consumers. With its strong dermatological heritage and innovative formulations, AESTURA offers a skincare solution that is both gentle and powerful, perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of our customers.”

A Aestura spokesperson, said, “For over four decades, AESTURA has led with dermatological science and pharmaceutical expertise to create advanced skincare solutions backed by clinical research. As Korea’s #1 dermatologist-recommended dermocosmetic brand, we’re excited to bring our trusted formulations to India in partnership with Nykaa. This launch marks a new chapter in our journey to make high-performance, science-led skincare more accessible—empowering consumers to make informed, confident choices for their skin health.”

Discover AESTURA’s iconic formulations exclusively on Nykaa; where Korean innovation meets Indian skincare needs. Shop now to experience sensitive skin care, redefined.

News Credits- MEDIA BRIEF

Panasonic bats for enhanced service and supply efficiency by collaborating with Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) has revealed a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Saudi Company for Hardware (SACO), KSA’s premier electronics and lifestyle retail distributor. This collaboration marks a significant evolution in the Kingdom’s retail and electronics sectors, as it pioneers a direct supply model in the Saudi market, aligning a major international manufacturer directly with a leading national retailer. The partnership is also strategically designed to redefine how Saudi customers access and experience Panasonic’s innovative products, bringing them closer to consumers through SACO’s extensive network of retail locations across the Kingdom.

The partnership was formalized in a signing ceremony held recently in Riyadh, attended by Hiroyuki Shibutani, CEO of PMMAF; John Hardy, COO of PMMAF; Abdel-Salam Bdeir, CEO of SACO; and, Makram Malaeb, COO of SACO.

This step underscores Panasonic’s strong and growing commitment to the local market. Moreover, it builds upon Panasonic’s recent inauguration of its regional office in Riyadh, which is seen as a strategic investment aimed at fostering closer connections with local consumers and strengthening relationships within the Saudi ecosystem.  The partnership with SACO further solidifies Panasonic’s long-term vision and growth strategy for the region. It enables the group to deliver a unique value proposition to Saudi customers though one of the biggest networks in the kingdom.

“This strategic alignment allows us to cater to the unique needs of the Saudi market through SACO’s extensive retail network,” Shibutani commented.  “SACO is recognized as a retail powerhouse in the Kingdom, and we are confident that through this collaboration, we have better opportunities to showcase the full spectrum of Panasonic’s cutting-edge consumer electronics and elevate the shopping experience for our Saudi customers, building upon our growing presence in the region.”

By combining Panasonic’s renowned technological expertise and its diverse range of consumer electronics with SACO’s deep-rooted understanding of Saudi consumer behavior and its expansive retail footprint, this partnership promises to deliver elevated and locally relevant product offerings and customer experiences. Together, the two companies will create unique in-store environments tailored to the preferences of Saudi consumers.

Expressing SACO’s enthusiasm for the business alliance, Mr. Bdeir, CEO of SACO said: “Partnering directly with a global leader like Panasonic will enable us to provide our customers with an even wider selection of cutting-edge electronics, and a more seamless shopping experience. Together, we will strive to drive mutual success and showcase our shared ambition for excellence.”

This alliance transcends a traditional commercial agreement, representing a shared commitment to co-develop innovative retail experiences, gain deeper insights into local needs, and shape the future of the consumer electronics market in Saudi Arabia. Panasonic and SACO are poised to establish a new standard for collaboration between manufacturers and retailers in the Middle East.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG