// Kingfisher signs franchise agreement with Al-Futtaim Group to expand B&Q to Middle East
// The first two stores are expected to launch in Saudi Arabia in this autumn
// The offer will include Kingfisher’s portfolio of own exclusive brands
Kingfisher has revealed a new franchise agreement with a United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate in an effort to expand B&Q in the Middle East.
The home improvement retailer has signed a franchise agreement with the Al-Futtaim Group, which will open B&Q franchised stores in Saudi Arabia.
The stores will operate under the B&Q banner, with the first two stores expected to launch in Saudi Arabia in this autumn, supported by an ecommerce proposition.
READ MORE: B&Q & Screwfix owner Kingfisher enjoys surging Christmas sales
The stores and support office functions will be fully operated and staffed by the Al-Futtaim Group.
Kingfisher said the initiative is part of its ‘Powered by Kingfisher’ plan, which aims to grow the business in new territories through partnership agreements.
The first B&Q stores in Saudi Arabia will be approximately 50,000sq ft and stock a full range of home improvement products.
The offer will include Kingfisher’s portfolio of own exclusive brands, Erbauer, Magnusson and GoodHome, alongside locally and internationally sourced product ranges.
The Al-Futtaim Group has over 200 brands across more than 20 countries in the
Middle East, Asia and Africa.
“This franchise agreement is a great opportunity to expand our business in the attractive Middle Eastern home improvement market with B&Q, one of our most established retail banners, as well as our differentiated owned exclusive brands,” Kingfisher chief executive Thierry Garnier said.
Kingfisher chief transformation and development officer John Wartig said: “With the Al-Futtaim Group we have found the pre-eminent operator of retail franchises in the Middle East.
“They are a well-established and successful local partner who knows the market well, and are a strong partner with whom we can take our franchise plans forward.”
Al-Futtaim Group retail president Regis Schultz added: “Over the past nine decades, the Al-Futtaim Group has grown and diversified its business offering in order to deliver on our commitment of enriching the lives of our customer every day.
“Our strategic roadmap has enabled us to embrace forward-thinking business practices and seize key market opportunities to bring the best global brands to the region.
“We are excited to partner with Kingfisher, one of the most experienced home improvement retailers, to bring another trusted powerhouse to our customers in Saudi Arabia.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
