River Island and Debenhams are reportedly closing their shops in the Middle East.
Both brand’s franchise stores are run by the Alshaya Group in the region, with Debenhams initially partnering with the franchise operator in 2021.
River Island and Debenhams both shared the news on their Instagram pages on 26 November, before the posts were deleted shortly after, Drapers reported.
River Island Middle East’s Instagram post said: “As we prepare to say goodbye to our River Island stores, we warmly invite you to visit us and take advantage of our special offers. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”
Posting a similar message, Debenhams’ Middle East Instagram account said: “As we prepare to say goodbye to our Debenhams stores, we warmly invite you to visit us and take advantage of our special offers. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”
River Island’s Middle East franchise shops are set to shut before the end of the year, while a timeline was not issued for Debenhams, Drapers understands.
The majority of River Island outlets in the Middle East are based within Debenhams stores, which have been gradually shutting as Debenhams aligns its international arm with the online-only model operated in the UK.
Due to this, River Island would not be left with enough standalone shops to “make the franchise in the region viable,” a source close to the matter told Drapers.
The source said the decision to shut the River Island shops was made independently of the restructuring plan impacting its UK business.
A Debenhams spokesperson told the publication that the retailer was investigating ways to serve its Middle East shoppers moving forward.
The spokesperson said: “Our Debenhams business in the Middle East is taking a new direction. We look forward to updating more in due course.”
Retail Gazette has contacted Debenhams, River Island and The Alshaya Group for comment.
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