Dubai, UAE – Apparel Group, a prominent global lifestyle and fashion conglomerate, has exciting news for fashion enthusiasts in Dubai: the official opening of standalone stores for the esteemed British heritage brand, Barbour. Nestled in Dubai Hills Mall and City Centre Mirdif, these stores aim to introduce Barbour’s signature blend of timeless British heritage and modern lifestyle collections to a fresh audience in the Middle East.
Barbour, which was founded in 1894 in South Shields, North East England, embodies craftsmanship, quality, and an aesthetic inspired by the British countryside. With over 130 years of rich history, this 5th generation family-owned brand has not only remained true to its roots, but also continually adapted to the evolving fashion landscape, ensuring its legacy endures.
The newly launched stores will showcase Barbour’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, providing a modern interpretation of its classic offerings. This season’s line features a variety of lightweight and versatile summer pieces, meticulously designed for contemporary lifestyles. While Barbour is famously known for its traditional lightweight quilted and waxed jackets, the collection will also include stylish, functional apparel suited specifically to Dubai’s climate. To enhance the shopping experience, customers can explore MyBarbour, a personalized pin badge collection, allowing them to customize their Barbour-style journey.
The launch of these stores follows a significant announcement by Apparel Group in September 2024, revealing plans to introduce Barbour in six key markets: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. This strategic move underscores the commitment to expanding Barbour’s reach in the region.
Expressing excitement about the launch, Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce Barbour’s inaugural stores in Dubai, marking a pivotal milestone in our regional expansion plans for the renowned brand. This launch reinforces our commitment to enhancing the region’s fashion landscape and providing our customers with an unparalleled shopping experience.”
Adding to the enthusiasm, Neil Parker, Managing Director, Global Distributors at Barbour, remarked, “We are delighted to be launching Barbour in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in our global growth strategy. The Middle East represents an exciting new market for us, and we are confident that our blend of timeless British style and high-quality craftsmanship will resonate with customers in the region. The new stores will provide a home for our unique collections and heritage, bringing the true essence of Barbour to Dubai.”
The Barbour story began over a century ago when founder John Barbour recognized the need for durable and weather-resistant clothing in coastal communities. Initially supplying oilskins and protective garments to fishermen and sailors, Barbour has since expanded its offerings to include a complete wardrobe for men and women—ranging from shirts and knitwear to trousers and dresses. Each item carries forward the brand’s legacy of quality and style, making them highly sought after across the globe.
As a family-owned brand with a rich heritage, Barbour has established itself as a global success story. Its products are now available in over 55 countries worldwide, achieving a strong presence not only in Europe but also in markets across the US and Asia.
About Apparel Group LLC
Apparel Group stands as a global retail powerhouse anchored in Dubai, strategically situated within the modern economy. With over 2,300 retail stores and more than 85 diverse brands under its umbrella, the company serves a vast array of shoppers worldwide, backed by a multicultural workforce exceeding 27,000 employees. The company has made significant inroads in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, including Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, while also expanding its footprint into India, South Africa, and beyond, showcasing its ambitious vision for growth.
Known for its diverse brand portfolio, Apparel Group presents an omnichannel experience featuring iconic names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Charles & Keith, Skechers, and Calvin Klein. This extensive versatility demonstrates the group’s adaptability and broad appeal in the dynamic retail landscape.
Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, the dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, has guided the company through remarkable growth over the years, culminating in its status as a global leader in the retail industry.
About AppCorp Holding
AppCorp Holding, under the leadership of Nilesh Ved, operates as a multi-billion-dollar transnational entity. Through its flagship company, Apparel Group, it manages over 2,300 stores across 14 countries while representing more than 85 international and local brands. The holding has developed a diverse portfolio spanning retail, food and beverage, real estate, logistics, healthcare, and more, showcasing its broad influence in various sectors.
