Raoul inks franchise deal with The Chalhoub Group

Sets the stage for Middle East expansion.

Raoul, Singapore’s best-known international fashion label, announced that it has inked another franchise deal, this time in the vibrant Middle East market with the Chalhoub Group.

The franchise agreement, signed with CGR FZE, part of the Chalhoub Group, in November 2013 will see 9 standalone Raoul stores open by 2017, the first two in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain next year.

The latest franchise, the third this year, will bring the number of stores in the Raoul‘s franchise network in the Middle East, China and Sri Lanka, to a total of 37 over the next five years. It underscores Raoul’s rising popularity and visibility among consumers and distributors in the region, said F J Benjamin Holdings Ltd, which is building the brand.

The Chalhoub Group, with over 55 years of experience, is an expert in retail, distribution and marketing services based in Dubai. The Group has become a major player in the fashion, beauty and gift sectors regionally. The Group has a presence in 14 countries and manages over 470 retail outlets across the region.

Douglas Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer of FJ Benjamin Holdings, said: “We are delighted to have signed up a third franchise partner this year in the Chalhoub Group, the most established distributor of luxury fashion in the Middle East.

“We are confident that with their access to talent and retail infrastructure built up over five decades, they will be able to help F J Benjamin grow the Raoul brand very quickly in one of the top 10 markets globally for luxury goods.”

Mr Patrick Chalhoub, Chief Executive Officer of Chalhoub Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Raoul and are looking forward to support the brand develop and grow in the Middle East region where the fashion sector is in complete expansion. We are proud to offer an innovative and niche brand such as RAOUL to our customers.”

The agreement signed with FJ Benjamin is for an initial five years with an option to renew for another five, subject to compliances.

According to a recent report from Bain & Company, Dubai commands around 30% of the Middle East luxury market, and around 60% of UAE’s. It is a shopping magnate for well-heeled tourists especially from Russia, India and Africa.

The deal with the Chalhoub Group followed one with Chongqing-based Budy (Chongqing) Import & Export Trading Co in May, to open a total of 27 stores in key cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu by 2017. Two months later, F J Benjamin also announced a franchise agreement with Sri Lankan-based White Lotus Fashions (Private) Ltd to open the first standalone Raoul store in Colombo in December 2013.

Raoul was created by Douglas and Odile Benjamin in 2002 to fill a niche by providing quality but affordable shirts for men. It later branched out to womenswear, accessories and leather goods, which now account for more than half of its sales. Raoul is available in the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, London and New York in leading department and specialty stores. Leading international fashion media have identified Raoul as a label to watch.

Celebrities such as Zhang Ziyi, Rebecca Romijn, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lawrence and The Duchess of Cambridge, have been seen wearing items from the brand’s collections.