Best Retail Company in Dubai & UAE
Apparel Group, part of APPCORP HOLDING —a multi-billion-dollar transnational company—is a leading retail conglomerate in the fashion and lifestyle industry. Established in 1996, the group caters to millions of customers through its extensive network of over 2,300 stores and over 85 brands across 14 countries while employing a diverse workforce of over 24,000 multicultural staff.
Apparel Group has cemented its position as one of the best retail companies in Dubai & United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has extended its operations across the GCC and beyond. Under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairwoman Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, Apparel Group has become a symbol of retail success and corporate responsibility. Her strategic foresight and dedication have propelled the company to new heights, setting benchmarks in the retail industry. Recognised globally for its commitment to innovation, customer service, and sustainable growth, Apparel Group continues to expand its influence as a top retail company in the Middle East and worldwide.
The group’s strategy focuses on creating an omni-channel retail experience that meets the needs of every customer, both online and offline. By continuously adapting to market trends and consumer preferences, Apparel Group stays at the forefront of the retail industry, consistently enhancing the customer journey and driving the dynamics of retail innovation.
Vision & Mission
FAQs
Leading the fashion and lifestyle sectors, Apparel Group is distinguished by its extensive portfolio of over 85 international brands and more than 2,300 stores. Our commitment to innovation, diversity, and superior customer service positions us as a Dubai and UAE retail leader.
Apparel Group plays a pivotal role in enhancing the retail landscape by integrating a wide variety of international and homegrown brands with sustainable practices and advanced digital innovations. Our omnichannel strategy ensures an exceptional shopping experience, seamlessly connecting physical stores with digital platforms to cater to diverse consumer needs across the region.
Our extensive range of high-fashion, lifestyle, and dining brands and a dedicated multinational workforce set us apart. We focus on employee well-being and customer satisfaction, establishing us as a unique presence in Dubai’s retail scene.
Apparel Group operates over 2,300 stores worldwide, representing over 85 renowned brands in the fashion, footwear, and lifestyle sectors across 14 countries.
We select brands that align with regional preferences and global fashion trends, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and market demand. This strategy ensures a vibrant and varied retail offering.
With over 24,000 multicultural staff members, Apparel Group fosters an inclusive and dynamic working environment throughout its global operations.
Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group, has driven the company’s significant expansion and success since its inception in 1996.
Established in 1996, Apparel Group has evolved into a preeminent player in the global fashion and lifestyle retail markets over the past two decades.
Apparel Group has received several prestigious awards, including ‘Retail Company of the Year’ and ‘Most Admired Retailer of the Year’, acknowledging our leadership and innovative impact on the Middle Eastern retail sector. Please look at our Awards page for a detailed list of our accolades.
Chairman
AppCorp Holding
Founder and Chairwoman
Apparel Group
Chairman
AppCorp Holding
Founder and Chairwoman
Apparel Group
Leadership
Milestones
Apparel Group will cross new barriers and create fresh benchmarks in the retail industry to become the top global retailer. The company has achieved mercurial growth in the last 26 years by introducing world-class labels from around the globe, including Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, ALDO, Charles & Keith, Jamie’s Italian, and Tim Hortons.
1996
Apparel Group begins its journey towards success
1999
- Apparel Group begins its retail journey by opening the 1st Nine West store at Lamcy Plaza.
2000
- 11 Nine West stores are opened by the end of 2000.
2001
- Apparel Group brings Aldo and, in three weeks, opens 4 Aldo stores across the UAE.
2002
- Apparel Group signs an agreement with Dune, UK’s favourite footwear and accessories brand.
2003
- Apparel Group launches Naturalizer in the GCC region.
2004
- Apparel makes forays into the Singapore and Poland markets.
- Apparel Group launches Kenneth Cole, New York.
2005
- Apparel Group launches eight new brands, including Skechers.
2006
- Apparel Group launches the upstate New York fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger.
- Apparel Group receives the ISO 9001-2000 certification and is honoured by the world’s foremost quality management recognition.
2007
- Apparel Group launches Cold Stone Creamery and Anne Klein.
2008
- Apparel Group opens 33 new stores at The Dubai Mall, all in a single day.
- Apparel Group signs up Aeropostale.
- Apparel Group inaugurates its new Head Office at Jebel Ali Free Zone, built to serve as a hub for the group’s expansion frenzy.
2009
- Apparel Group reaches the magical figure of 500 stores and signs up Garage.
2010
- Apparel Group launches Club Apparel, its loyalty program.
- Apparel Group launches MBT and Garage.
2011
- Apparel Group launches Tim Hortons, and within a few months, expands to 5 locations across the UAE.
2012
- Apparel Group launches The Children’s Place.
2013
- Apparel Group launches its first homegrown brand, R&B.
- Apparel Group signs Master Franchise for KSA, Tim Hortons.
2014
- Apparel Group launches LC Waikiki, All About Watches, Toms, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Bottega Verde, and Glossip Milano.
- Apparel Group achieves a milestone with its 1000th store.
2015
- Apparel Group launches Z Generation, the trendy kids’ concept from Paris.
- Apparel Group adds Sbarro, an Italian fast food chain, to its F&B division.
- Apparel Group launches Charming Charlie in the UAE and Nautica Kids in KSA.
- Apparel Group launches its first community centre, Grand Centrale, Ajman.
2016
- Apparel Group launches Shoe Gallery in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.
- Apparel Group launched 6thStreet.com, an online shopping site for fashion & lifestyle in the GCC.
2022
- Major Brands officially becomes Apparel Group India Pvt.Ltd.
- Apparel Group’s 6thStreet launches the GCC’s first phygital store in Dubai Hills Mall.
- Apparel Group launches 45 fashion, lifestyle, and F&B brands in Dubai Hills Mall.
- Apparel Group expands its footprint in Qatar, Place Vendôme, with the launch of 20 stores.
- Apparel Group inaugurates its new office in Saudi Arabia.
- Apparel Group achieves a milestone with 2010+ stores in 14 countries.
- F5 Global’s first-ever sustainable athleisure store opens at Dubai Hills Mall.
- Tim Hortons achieves a New Milestone with its 250th Store Opening in the Middle East.
- Apparel Group won the Gulf Sustainability Award in the Waste and Water Management category in 2022.
- Apparel Group won the World Business Outlook Awards for Best CSR Initiatives Firm in UAE 2022.
- Apparel Group received a Certificate of Appreciation from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Emirates Nature WWF.
- Apparel Group won the RetailME Award in the category of Most Responsible Company.
- Apparel Group receives the Impact Seal Award.
2023
- Group Kicks off the First-Ever Great Online Sale – Ramadan in Dubai Edition to save BIG on EID shopping
- R&B hits a new milestone of 100 Stores across GCC.
- Apparel Group launches 12 Fashion, Lifestyle and F&B Brands in Al Khiran Mall, Kuwait.
- Apparel Group brings Indian Luxury Ayurvedic brand, Forest Essentials, to the region, opening its first store in Dubai Hills Mall.
- Apparel Group’s brand Beverly Hills Polo Club opens its 150th store in the GCC.
- Apparel Group launches Tim Hortons in Mumbai, India.
- Apparel Group & Black Spoon joins forces with Allo Beirut.
- Apparel Group opens 19 new stores at The Warehouse, Kuwait.
- Apparel Group and Firehouse Subs join forces and announce new expansion plans in the Middle East.
- Apparel Group forms a multi-brand licensing alliance with Marquee Brands across GCC and India.
- Apparel Group signs a joint venture agreement with Forever New.
- Tim Hortons achieves milestone with over 300 stores in GCC and India.
- Apparel Group received The National CSR Fund: Impact Seal – Platinum Tier.
- Apparel Group’s brand ALDO won the Silver Award for Best Community Development at the Gulf Sustainability Awards.
- The IMAGES RetailME Awards 2023: Apparel Group won the Most Admired Responsible Retailer of the Year.
2024
- Apparel Group is proud to launch Bliss Bites, offering a unique selection of clean, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Bliss Bites is an ideal spot for health-conscious diners in Dubai, UAE.
- Apparel Group was announced as the Headline Partner for the RLI MENA Awards.
- Apparel Group was announced as the Lifestyle Partner for RLI MENA Connect in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Apparel Group partners with Crocs, bringing this iconic brand under its wings in Kuwait.
- Apparel Group launches 1st Forever New store in Qatar.
- Apparel Group becomes the Platinum Partner at The Retail Summit 2024.
- Apparel Group’s loyalty programme, Club Apparel, reached 10 million members.
- Apparel Group was awarded MENA Retail Partner of the Year at the RLI MENA Awards.
- Apparel Group’s Founder & Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ved, was recognised as one of the Arabian Business’ 50 Inspiring Woman Leaders in 2024.
- Apparel Group’s Founder & Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ved, was among the Top 35 Women Leading the Marketing and CX Change by Martechvibe.com
- Apparel Group’s Founder & Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ved, was named one of Forbes Middle East’s 100 most influential businesswomen in 2024.
- The Apparel Group team grows to 24,000 employees.
- Apparel Group expands and celebrates a milestone of 2,300 stores.
- Tim Hortons achieves a milestone of reaching 300 stores in the Middle East.
