Debenhams’ first-ever store is open in Oman! Part of Mall Of Muscat and with an expanse of 34,374sq ft, it takes the international department store retailer’s store count in the Middle East region to 29.

Interestingly, the UK-based retailer is involved in a CVA process on its home ground, which would mean that 50 of its 166 stores in the UK face a closure in the coming years.

The Middle East, however, remains the department store retailer’s biggest international market and with the opening of this mall in Oman on Sept. 5 and one more in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 4, Debenhams has a presence in eight countries in the region.

Supplied by Debenhams

In a statement released on their website, Jess Shepherd, Debenhams Director of Digital & International, said, “Our customers in Middle Eastern markets now have two more locations to shop with us in malls that represent the best of shopping in the region. Our longstanding partnership with Alshaya continues to present expansion opportunities in a region where our mix of Designer and high street British brands resonates well with local customers.”

READ: Oman’s Retail Sector in Transition Mode

Both stores house a range of brands including the in-house ones such as Principles, Maine, Racing Green and Bluezoo as well as a wide variety of international fashion and beauty retailers such as Levis, American Eagle and Calvin Klein.

Supplied by Debenhams

They are modelled on the ‘Debenhams Redesigned’ Concept, which was launched last year, at the Watford Debenhams store.

The Debenhams brand underwent a complete transformation and modernisation with it shedding its 20-year logo for a brand new one with an aim to create a new experience for its shoppers and to send a message across that Debenhams is evolving with the times.