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Matalan takes a step into the UAE
The UK’s number one value department store opens its first outlet at the
Arabian Center Mall in Dubai

Matalan, the United Kingdom’s number one value department store, has opened its doors in the UAE. The leading fashion and home ware retail chain launched its first store in the UAE at the Arabian Center Mall today. The store was officially inaugurated by Mr. Guy Warrington, HM Consul General – British Embassy, Dubai at a grand event held at the Arabian Center. The event was attended by dignitaries and the fashion conscious trend-setters of Dubai.

Matalan is solely distributed in the Middle East by the Business Trading Company (BTC). Matalan is a leading clothing and home ware retailer offering quality and high-street fashion at pocket-friendly prices. The outlet at the Arabian Center is poised to be one among the largest stores at the mall. Matalan offers an eclectic mélange of products ranging from home wares to ladies', men's and children's clothing, lingerie, footwear and accessories - all under one roof.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Alistair McGeorge, CEO, Matalan, said: “Matalan has come a long way since the first store that was set up in Preston in UK. The UAE is at the frontier of global reach today and poses an extremely fashion conscious populace. The Arabian Center offers Matalan a great opening into the UAE market. As one of UK’s fastest growing retail brands, we are very positive about the brand’s reception here.”

Mr. Tim Jones, COO, Arabian Center, said: “It gives me immense pleasure in welcoming Matalan to our mall. We are very happy that Matalan chose Arabian Center to launch its first store in the UAE. We are certain that the opening of Matalan will provide our valued customers with more choice while shopping for fashion.”

Mr. John Hargreaves established the first Matalan store in Preston, UK in 1985. Offering chic and trendy collections at ‘half the price of the high street’, Matalan soon became one of the fastest growing retail houses in UK. 

Sizing an average 3,500 square meters per store, Matalan offers a one-stop-shop destination with something for everyone. The brand has established a huge presence in the UK market with over 200 stores and approximately 5 million square feet of retail space. Matalan caters to a wide range of customer base with the latest trends and collections on offer for men, women and children in clothes and footwear.  

The store, being divided into separate segments for men, women, and children, facilitates an easy and pleasurable shopping experience. With something to offer everyone, Matalan’s range has grown to become synonymous with style, quality and affordability. With the latest key looks for the season, from modern basics to classic styles, customers can choose from a range of in-house brands, as well as top fashion names.

About Matalan
Matalan is one of the UK's leading clothing and home ware retailers offering quality fashion and home ware at up to half the equivalent high street price.

John Hargreaves, the founder of Matalan, set up the first Matalan store in Preston in 1985. Since then Matalan has grown significantly. By 1995 there were 50 stores across the UK. In 1997, in order to cope with Matalan's growth, the head office was relocated from Preston to Skelmersdale along with a new distribution centre. Matalan now trades from 5 million square feet in over 200 stores in the UK and the first store to open in the Middle East in Jordan via a Franchise Agreement with BTC.

Shopping at Matalan offers outstanding quality at prices that are simply unmatched elsewhere. By buying direct from the manufacturer and having convenient out of town stores with low overheads, Matalan is able to offer unbeatable value for money.