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The UAE is a wonderful, diverse mix of cultures, and as such testing the desirability of your products in the market place before investing in a store, couldn’t be more important. Something that worked in Europe, just may not have the same universal appeal here, as I have witnessed many times over the years. A seasonal Market, allows you to showcase your product, converse with customers getting valuable feedback straight from the horse’s mouth, and test your pricing strategy. Now granted, a market is not always the solution, for example it won’t work if your product is high end, there’s a ceiling to purchases made on kiosks. But, for most small brands it’s an excellent way of launching themselves, and streamlining their product offering before going into mainstream retail

Most malls want to be fully occupied for opening as it gives a better customer experience and overall impression on arrival. However, in the current climate this is not always achievable hence the dawn of the pocket shop also known as a faux shop, which is a fitted out shop which occupies the front 2.5 meters of the unit, cleverly concealing the vacant unit to the rear.

These little gems have allowed small businesses to showcase their products in major malls, whose leasing rates would usually prohibit them. And have breathed a breath of fresh air into many malls, giving the customers exposure to small unique, home grown brands, as opposed to the run of the mill major retailers.

The Mall, that realizes the potential of doing this, and looks at ways of retaining these smaller interesting brands and boutiques long term, will in my view set themselves aside from the pack, and create a must visit destination.

We currently lease and manage eleven pocket shops in The Galleria, Abu Dhabi, and are currently building thirteen in Reem Mall, which are available for lease

This is the most common question that I have been asked over the 18 years I have been in this business, and my answer is always the same – Something you feel passionate about ! The most successful vendors that we work with are those that love what they do, whether its fashion, jewellery or home decor, they live and breathe it. They understand the need to have a unique product offering, with mass appeal, of introducing regular new collections to keep their customers coming back, the need to evolve their designs, and the power of social media. They work hard on displaying/merchandising their products well, and understand the importance of having a strong concept that people understand and of upselling. What they don’t do is run around buying products in the local Market, as they understand the need to set themselves apart from what’s readily available in the malls, to create that point of difference. So think about your passion, do you dream about designing clothes, or are there products from your home Country that you think would work here and when you are ready let’s talk !