Group signs leasing agreement with Azadea Group

Al-Kout Mall

KUWAIT: GLA Management, part of Tamdeen Group - Kuwait's leading mixed-use property developer - has signed an agreement with the Azadea Group to open 11 new stores including new-to-market brands at the new Al-Kout Mall which is part of AL KOUT, the largest mixed-use waterfront destination in Kuwait.

Azadea will unveil some of its most recognized brands within the mall, located in the Ahmadi Governorate, across a total leased area of 4,500 sqm. The new mall will be home to Bershka, Calzedonia, I Am, KIKO Milano, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Stradivarius, Sunglass Hut, Uterque, Zara and Zara Home.

New brands will be introduced to Kuwaiti residents for the first time which highlights the uniqueness of the new mall for potential consumers from neighboring areas. For example, KIKO Milano, Italian cosmetics brand, has revolutionized the rules of cosmetics and won over the most demanding beauty addicts.   Christian Wistrom, General Manager - Leasing, GLA Management, said: "Kuwait's retail landscape continues to evolve to adapt to the changing economic situation and we too explore new ways to keep pace with our customers' needs. Azadea Group's 11 new retail brand concepts will further enrich our tenant mix, enabling a more robust shopping experience for our mall visitors.

"The new Al-Kout Mall is already more than 70 percent leased out of its total of 260 planned stores, and is expected to be fully leased ahead of the project completion date by year-end."

Commenting on the new partnership, Azadea Group Country Manager for Kuwait, Dany Abou Jamra said: "This collaboration with Al-Kout Mall embraces our expansion plans through a great retail space, introducing new possibilities for exciting lifestyle shopping experiences for customers."

He also added: "Overall, we are certain that this new destination will only bring forth successful results, adding more strength to our presence in Kuwait."

Azadea Group owns and operates more than 50 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods, multimedia and beauty and cosmetics across the Middle East and Africa spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 650 stores.  "These brands from Azadea perfectly complement the diverse world-class offerings at the new Al-Kout Mall," Wistrom further added.

Al-Kout Mall's distinctive architectural design showcases a unique spacious environment with exquisite wide open spaces, a new leveled shopping format and a serene ambience. When completed, the mall will be an integral part of the AL KOUT development reflecting the architectural and cultural heritage of Kuwait spread over 300,000 sq mtrs featuring six different experiences in entertainment, shopping and hospitality.

Al-KOUT is the largest waterfront landmark and lifestyle experience in Kuwait. Encompassing six different experiences, Al KOUT, when completed will become a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike. The new Al-Kout Mall, combined with Souq Al-Kout, significant for its traditional design, serves as the community hub of southern Kuwait with its stunning views of the marina and Nag'at Al-Kout, the traditional fishing wharf where fishermen ply their trade. This unique blend of traditional and modern shopping is the centerpiece of 1.6 kms of beachfront which is part of the project.

In addition, the award winning, 5-star Rotana Hotel has become the hotel of choice for business travelers. The immaculate beachfront of Sahel Al-Kout offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and blends seamlessly with the state-of-the-art luxurious yacht club, Marsa Al-Kout, with its excellent marina facilities for over 150 boats.

GLA Property Management is a professional retail real-estate firm and part of the Tamdeen Shopping Centers Company, a subsidiary of Tamdeen Real Estate, which belongs to Kuwait's Tamdeen Group. It currently manages 150,000 sq.mtrs of space for the Tamdeen Shopping Centers Co (K.S.C.C). Up to an additional 100,000 sq.mtrs of retail real estate is in the development pipeline. The company is known for its passion to build great places that deliver great experiences.