Dubai's Jashanmal to access Saudi Arabia next year

(MENAFN) Dubai-based retailer Jashanmal unveiled plans to make a foray into Saudi Arabia next year, Arabian Business reported. Tony Jashanmal, group executive director, said that the retailer will start expansion plans in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with a focus on retail before distribution. Earlier this week, the group, which develops its own stores as well as buying the franchise rights of international firms, opened its first branch of the US fashion retailer Kate Spade in Dubai. The GCC is fast becoming a hot spot for international retailers due to its rising wealth, strong tourism industry and a growing population. Dubai, GCC's leading shopping hub, has added more than a million sqm of shopping space since 2006, and is now home to about 40 shopping malls.