- Forest Essentials to make debut in GCC with first standalone store in Dubai Hills opening April 2023 and expansion plans for six more stores across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait within a year
- Apparel Group sets ambitious expansion plans to open 25 Forest Essentials stores in the GCC within 5 years, alongside the launch of the brand website and marketplaces
In a major breakthrough for the skincare industry in the GCC region, the leading fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, Apparel Group, has announced its strategic partnership with Forest Essentials, the prestigious Indian Luxury Ayurvedic brand. This partnership marks the brand’s debut in the GCC region and is set to be a game-changer in the region’s skincare market.
Apparel Group’s extensive retail network, which includes over 2025 stores across 14 countries, will play a pivotal role in the distribution and marketing of Forest Essentials’ authentic and traditional skincare products. With this partnership, Forest Essentials will be able to leverage the Apparel Group’s unparalleled retail presence in the GCC region to gain a strong foothold and establish itself as a leader in the luxury Ayurvedic skincare segment.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group said,” As a leading fashion retailer in the GCC and beyond, Apparel Group is committed to partnering with the world’s most desirable brands to provide an unmatched shopping experience to our customers. We are confident that our partnership with Forest Essentials will enhance their presence in the GCC region, providing a new level of access to their Luxurious Ayurvedic products. By leveraging our extensive retail network and expertise in the market, we aim to support Forest Essentials in solidifying its commercial status on a global scale. Our collaboration with Forest Essentials is a strategic move that aligns with our core values, and we look forward to bringing their rich heritage and commitment to sustainability to our loyal customers.”
Samrath Bedi, Executive Director at Forest Essentials said, “The beauty industry is an integral presence across the GCC, with a diverse range of everyday essentials, luxury goods, and personal services. Such demand and innovation have put the beauty sector at the heart of the GCC economy, while also establishing a cultural footprint. The raised awareness around human rights and climate change has led their consumers to be more selective and demanding of business practices, by prioritizing brands that value transparency and are purpose-led in their messaging and authenticity. At Forest Essentials, we have always pioneered such values, and thus foraying into the GCC market, starting with Dubai works well with what our Brand stands for.”
The grand opening of Forest Essentials’ first standalone store in the GCC at Dubai Hills in April 2023 is set to be a landmark event for skincare enthusiasts in the region. This 1000 sqft store will showcase the brand’s complete range of skincare, haircare and body care products along with an exquisite range of gift boxes, offering a unique shopping experience to customers. The partnership between Forest Essentials and Apparel Group aims to open six more stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait over the next year, each featuring the brand’s Luxurious Ayurvedic products.
With its commitment to sustainability and rich heritage, Forest Essentials’ partnership with Apparel Group is a strategic move that aligns with the group’s core values. As the only
prestigious ‘Made in India’ brand to open a luxury retail store in the UK, the launch of Forest Essentials’ first-ever standalone store in the UAE is a significant milestone for the brand.
Over the next five years, Apparel Group has ambitious plans to open 25 Forest Essentials stores in the GCC, along with the brand website and marketplaces, making its luxurious Ayurvedic products more accessible to customers across the region.
This partnership between Apparel Group and Forest Essentials is set to revolutionize the skincare industry in the GCC region, offering customers the chance to experience the purest, authentic, traditional Ayurvedic skincare products. The arrival of Forest Essentials in the UAE is a significant development and marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the brand’s growth and expansion in the region.
About Forest Essentials
An authentic and traditional Skincare Brand with its foundations laid in the ancient science of Ayurveda, Forest Essentials is a pioneer in the Luxury Ayurveda segment. The name “Forest Essentials” comes from the fact that the ingredients within all products are sourced from plants, trees and herbs naturally grown in the Himalayan forests. Each handmade product uses traditional methods and adheres to the highest standards of purity, authenticity, and quality. There is a perfect fusion between ancient recipes and modern technology to create a whole new experience — Elegant, Luxurious Ayurveda.
The brand has had a pioneering approach and sustainable outlook since its inception, applying practices that respect both the environment and community in every sense. Today, since its inception in the year 2001, Forest Essentials retails from over 100 company-owned retail stores across India and has a major online business, exporting products to over 120 countries worldwide. The brand is celebrated by celebrities ranging from global film stars to politicians and is the largest player in the luxury hotel and spa business catering to over 540 hotels and resorts including the prestigious Taj, Oberoi, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton hotel groups, providing bespoke in-room amenities and treatments.
November 2022 marked the opening of Forest Essentials first international standalone store in London’s iconic district – Covent Garden; and the only prestigious ‘Made in India’ brand to open a luxury retail store in the U.K.
About Apparel Group LLC
Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy – Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to thousands of eager shoppers through its 2025+ retail stores and 80+ brands on all platforms while employing over 18,500+ multicultural staff.
Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines.
Apparel Group has created an omni-channel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyles such as Tommy Hilfiger, Charles & Keith, Skechers, Aldo, Nine West, Aeropostale, Jamie’s Italian, Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Inglot, and Rituals.
Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades.
