Fnac Opens a Franchise in Qatar

United Arab Emirates; October 13th 2014 - Fnac, the leading French distributor of cultural, recreational and technical products will launch in Qatar, in early 2015, its first franchise store in Doha, in the Lagoona Mall.

The establishment of Fnac’s franchise in Doha will be in partnership with Darwish Holding, a pioneer in mass distribution and retail business in the Middle East.

Qatar is witnessing a strong economic development and a significant growth in its consumption. Moreover, the market of technical and cultural products upon which Fnac is increasingly developing, are well-expanding. The country is the world leader in terms of GDP per capita and thus attracts significant investments especially from major well-known and global distribution companies.

In this context, Fnac aims, firstly, to open four stores in Qatar over the next 5 years. This first opening is a favorable opportunity to consider a greater and more rapid development in the Middle East by adapting its different formats and store concepts to market needs whether in train stations, airports, duty-free, local community stores’ formats (small areas between 300 and 900 m2) .... After Morocco, Qatar is the second country in which the Fnac expands its franchise.

"As part of our development strategy, developed in 2011 under the impetus of our President, Alexandre Bompard, we are seeking new growth opportunities by, obviously, developing in new geographical areas, in France or internationally. In order to do this effectively and quickly, we have focused on franchise development, which has allowed us to open 35 outlets mainly in France in 36 months. This move towards a new geographic territory demonstrates once again the relevance of Fnac to franchising development, which allows it to quickly seize opportunities for growth based on the expertise of leading player actors, "says Manuel biota, Director of Franchise and partnerships in Fnac.