Enoc Retail, a division of Emirates national Oil Company, has become the latest in a long line of businesses expanding their retail presence in the UAE as the sector continues to rapidly expand this year.
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The Dubai Government-owned oil and gas group has announced plans to roll out a significant number of retail brands across the Emirates, including its Zoom convenience-stores, a number of italian food and coffee concepts, as well as its Thai restaurant, LemonGrass.
"We want to share our expertise by franchising the successful retail concepts and reach out to a wider audience in the GCC," said Saeed Abdullah Khoory, chief executive at Enoc.
Retailers throughout the country have reported a bustling trade so far this year, with many enjoying growth rates of 20 per cent in sales compared to last year.
This strong growth has prompted many retailers to invest in new stores, expanding in malls across the country, particularly in Abu Dhabi which has swathes of new retail space.
Apple was the latest company to throw their name in the retail hat this week when they launched an online store in the Emirates on Monday.
All the major supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Lulu and Geant, are expanding stores across the Gulf and UAE, particularly in the local retail space.
Big fashion houses, such as Landmark Group and Allied Enterprises, have also announced the expansion of stores.
Enoc Retail operates a network of 170 Enoc and Eppco service stations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and services 600,000 customers each week.
It will offer franchises for all its retail outlets, which include its Pronto fresh food and gourmet coffee concept, Saquella Esspresso Club, an Italian Café concept founded in 1856, and Esspresse, its latest fresh and healthy Italian fast food.
Under a new franchising scheme, Enoc Retail will provide any franchisee with training, supervisory support for the ongoing programme and marketing support.
