Love is in the Air – ‘Save the Dates’

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

- Nelson Mandela

I love this quote and with February being the month of love, let’s celebrate each other, ourselves and our successes and achievements over the past twelve months. There is a lot to look forward to as the industry begins to get back on track, with interesting projects happening across the globe and new world-class destinations in the pipeline.

Talking of which, I have a ‘Save the Dates‘ for you all and an invitation. No - not to a wedding albeit Valentines but to the next best thing - this year’s RLI Events, so join us from the 31 October to 2 November in Riyadh, KSA for this year’s RLI Connect Global Deal-Making Forum and prestigious Global RLI Awards. An amazing opportunity to combine business and pleasure in an exciting and vibrant country, living in an era where the economy is thriving and the nation is reviving. There is an ocean of untapped potential that needs to be explored by local and foreign investors and this year’s events provide the perfect chance for exploration, making new connections and building those all-important relationships to take our businesses forward.

We invite international & regional investors, owners & developers, retailers, leisure & hospitality operators and franchise partners that are eager to connect with each other to look at new markets for expansion nationally and internationally.

Please let me know if you would like to be involved in this year’s events, so that we may send you further details on how to meet with like-minded industry professionals who want to shape the retail and leisure industry as we continue to come to terms with a post-pandemic world.

This year’s events will provide a passionate and exciting meeting place where opportunities abound, be a part of it…

If you haven’t had a chance to check out this month’s Cover Story Read Here and don’t forget to click on the cover to watch their funky video, enjoy!

Now I’m off to the ‘Floating City’, the city of love and I can’t wait to explore its renaissance-inspired architecture, public squares, narrow canals and gondola rides – another city I am bound to fall in love with.

Until next week…

Jayne Rafter

Publisher - Retail & Leisure International

Founder - RLI Connect Global

NEWS

Wingstop is coming to Trafford Centre

The flavoursome chicken wing brand has taken a 2,991q ft unit in the Manchester based shopping centre’s food court - The Orient. The modern and colourful restaurant provides customers with a fresh and seasoned menu of flavour-focused products such as wings, burgers, platters, sides and desserts.

Gucci Opens First Cocktail Bar in Florence

Called ‘Giardino 25’, the cocktail bar is preparing to open its doors in the Italian city on February 14 in Piazza della Signoria. Breakfast dishes include Italian pastries along with Japanese and Mexican inspired creations for a modern and international selection, whilst light fare is available for both lunch and dinner.?

J.C. Penney Launches New Menswear Brand

The company is adding to its private-label portfolio and the department store retailer is launching its first men’s denim-inspired lifestyle collection, called Mutual Weave. Items available include denim tees, button-downs, knits, casual jackets and shoes.?

Apple Al Maryah Island Coming Soon

Situated at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, the new store will have a front row view of the waterfront promenade and will be a home for customers to explore their creativity, discover new products, and receive the best support from the new retail team.

Masan Acquires Majority Stake in Phuc Long Tea Chain

Conglomerate Masan announced that it has spent an additional $110M to increase its ownership in the Phuc Long beverage chain from 20 per cent to 51 per cent. Masan first bought a 20 percent stake in Phuc Long in May last year for $15M. The latest purchase puts the valuation of the tea and coffee chain at $355M.

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