UAE: Japanese sports brand ASICS and leading regional conglomerate Apparel Group have partnered to launch ASICS retail stores in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. Signifying the brand’s commitment to the region, the franchise contract encompasses the rollout of 20 stores within the next five years and kick starts with the official opening of ASICS store in Qatar on December 5th.
Located in Doha Festival City Mall, the first ASICS retail concept in Qatar features 165 square meters of space, showcasing running, tennis, padel, volleyball and kids collections. Customers can find in store the new GEL-KAYANO™ 29 – the running shoe that is arguably ASICS’ most iconic model and that has now been improved even further through advanced technologies, as well as NOVABLAST™ 3 shoe – the third generation of ASICS’ unique cushioning running shoe that offers a bouncing running experience and combines Japanese origami design with technology.
The new ASICS stores will also feature ASICS’ Run Analyzer™, a free ASICS specialized gait analysis and foot mapping technology that helps customers find the right running shoe for their personal running style, increases running efficiency andreduces load on the foot. Trained staff members in-store assist with fittings and diagnostic services, pronation analysis, supination and pressure distribution, creating a unique shopping experience for consumers.
Commenting on this partnership announcement, Mano Takayuki, General Manager, ASICS Arabia says, “We are very proud to partner with Apparel Group for the launch of ASICS stores in the GCC. This marks a new stage of growth for the brand in the Middle East and signifies our commitment to enhancing communities through sports.”
The next openings in line are set to roll out in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, bringing Europe’s #1 running and tennis brand’s retail concept to the rest of the Middle East, spearheaded by sustainable design and usage of sustainable materials throughout the stores, as part of the brand’s mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, helping conserve the ability of future generations to continue experiencing the uplifting power of sport on the mind.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group said, “As Apparel Group continues its journey to strengthen its position as one of the leading retail conglomerates in the region and globally, we are proud to announce our strategic partnership with ASICS. With this partnership, Apparel Group remains committed to identifying innovative approaches to strategic alliances that enable us to stay at the forefront of consumer trends and grow our global footprint.”
ASICS will also be expanding its current ASICS FrontRunner program, a unique ambassadorship program that selects inspiring individuals from each of the countries ASICS is present on to become ambassadors for the brand. Those selected individuals have a unique role – to inspire, motivate and educate the communities on the importance of movement for better mental and physical well-being and help promote ASICS founding philosophy of, ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’.
“The opening of ASICS stores in the region allows us to connect further with local, grass root sports communities and share our passion for movement and Sound Mind Sound Body philosophy. We are witnessing unparallel growth in running, tennis and padel sports in the Middle East, and we want to ensure we help those sports enthusiasts to find the right footwear and apparel to increase their performance,” said Ana Seixas, Marketing Manager, ASICS Arabia.
