Newsletter - July 2024

As we step into the second half of 2024, We are filled with pride and excitement about the incredible progress and achievements of our team at McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists. Our commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive us forward, and I am thrilled to share some of our latest milestones with you in this July newsletter.

In this issue, we highlight some of our new projects, in Oman, Qatar, KSA, and UAE, these projects embody our vision of creating vibrant, community-centric retail destinations that cater to the evolving needs of our clients and their customers.

We are also proud to spotlight two Leasing Experts, Ryan Freeman and Dalia Finj. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our success.

Our presence on LinkedIn has grown significantly, and we encourage you to read some of our top posts. These insights into retail planning, revolutionary shopping experiences, and experiential retail development are a testament to our thought leadership in the industry.

Additionally, our involvement with the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres and Retailers (MECSR) remains strong. We are thrilled to be featured in RPM Q2 2024, an article entitled "A Journey in Style," which explores the latest trends in retail property management. We are also proud to be featured in the 2024 MECSR Directory, showcasing our company and including insights on the Art and Science of Retail Development.

As always, our success is a collective effort, it is the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are shaping the future of retail.

Regards,?

Phil McArthur

Founder &?Chairman

McARTHUR?Retail Development Specialists

NEW PROJECTS

Mall of Muscat - Muscat, Oman

Mall of Muscat is a three-level regional shopping centre located in Muscat, Oman. It is an investment venture of Tamani Global Development & Investment LLC.

Featuring over 240+ brands, ranging from fashion and lifestyle to sports and electronics, family Entertainment Centre, Cinemas, the Oman Aquarium, and the largest mall-based Lulu Hypermarket in Oman.

The mall also has extensive food and beverage offering including a 1000-seat food court.

Qetaifan Island – Lusail, Qatar

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Located on Qetaifan Island in Lusail City, the project features seven luxurious buildings connected by an elevated promenade winding through lush greenery.

8,100 m2 of street-level retail shops on one side and Gulf sea views on the other. A podium level with a private health club, swimming pools, spa, kids club, and more.

The Hub JLT - Dubai, UAE

Sweid & Sweid Founded in 2006, is bespoke development firm that focuses on delivering exceptional properties and excels in customized solutions. Sweid & Sweid is a design-centric, and user-focused firm targeting niche development, investment and build-to-suit opportunities.

The Hub in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai, UAE, is a modern development featuring office spaces, retail outlets, dining options, and residential apartments. It offers a vibrant urban lifestyle in a cosmopolitan setting, with easy access to transportation and key business districts. Designed for community engagement, it provides a dynamic environment for work, living, and socializing in one of Dubai's most desirable locations.

Mixed Used Development – Jeddah, KSA

Methak Holding is developing a mixed-use real estate project on Al Rawdah district in Jeddah KSA. The project will be developed in phases. The site measures 69,315 m2 of total land area.

The Project will feature a 30,000 m2 Lifestyle centre and subsequent phases will add a branded hotel and residences.

Mixed Used Development – Riyadh, KSA

AlYemni Group, well-reputed multi-business group is developing a mixed used development in Riyadh that includes Retail, Food & Beverage, and Office spaces.

Bringing modern and exciting food and entertainment options to Riyadh, with innovative restaurants, shops, and fun activities.

The project draws inspiration from the beautiful Saudi landscape, creating vibrant spaces that reflect the region's spirit.

McARTHUR Insights

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?????? ???????????? ???????? is a land use and infrastructure plan that sets forth local goals, objectives, and policies for community growth and/or redevelopment over the next 20-30 years.?

McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists provide valuable retail development strategies to developers and architects of master-planned communities. We are pleased to share insights into our Master Plan services as we believe in the importance of a well-studied master plan.?

Below, we present the 8 key steps we undertake in planning retail, f+b, and entertainment facilities for all types and sizes of master plan developments.

1. ?????????????????????? ????????????????: Our objective is to understand the current retail trends in each market including a strong assessment of the physical retail space in the trade area. We carefully evaluate each of the major retail destinations in the trade area.

2. ???????????? ???????? ????????????????: We thoroughly examine every facet of the master plan to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure and all asset classes within the development viz. residential, hospitality, commercial, entertainment, etc.

3. ???????? ?????????? ????????????????????????????: We identify all existing & future user groups and estimate their potential spending, enabling us to tailor strategies for residents, office workers, hotel guests, tourists, and day visitors.

4. ???????????????? ?????????????????? ????????????????????: Through analyzing spending potential across user groups, we optimize retail planning and distribution efficiently. The spending potential also allows us to estimate the quantum of leasable areas that can be supported within the development.

5. ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? is strategically plotted based on the target merchandise mix ensuring all key categories are available. The total amount of the GLA reflects the future spending potential of the project.

6. ???????????????? ????????????????????: From landmarks to specific destinations, we meticulously analyze locations to improve community engagement emphasizing convenient and enhanced shopping experiences.

7. ???????????? ??????????????????: Our approach includes customised retail, f+b, and entertainment operator recommendations to help initiate the leasing program.

8. ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????: We validate our recommendations by estimating the targeted footfall and average spend levels with benchmark comparisons across other retail destinations. This assessment provides a market assessment check for the quantum of retail space that can be supported in the development.

McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists have decades of experience planning, developing, leasing, and operating some of the largest and most successful projects in the region.

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The shopping centre model has undergone major changes since its infancy in the 1950’s in North America. Today we have all types and sizes of retail projects. Regional Malls, Super Regional Mall, Lifestyle Centres, Power Centres, and the list goes on and on.

While the retail development model changes from market to market and site to site, the most important consideration is the change in the customer’s experience and perspective.

In today’s rapidly changing world, retail projects must reinvent themselves with new and exciting ideas to stay interesting.

For Shopping Centres to remain appealing and engaging, several strategies can be adopted. These include developing a diverse retail mix, ranging from well-known brands to local boutiques, pop-up shops, and unique concept stores. While the mall’s environment is vitally important to engage customers, more important is the merchandise mix or tenant selection.

Introducing interactive spaces with immersive experiences like virtual reality can captivate visitors, while incorporating entertainment such as entertainment facilities, cinemas and live performance venues can further elevate the malls appeal.

For many retail destinations, FOOD is the new anchor. By providing a variety of dining choices, ranging from fast food to unique culinary experiences, the traditional mall has now become a dining and social hub.

Not only have malls and retailers have changed, so has marketing and the tools we must use to promote our malls.

Utilizing technology for smart services and personalized suggestions enhances convenience and customer satisfaction. Exclusive offerings and pop-up shops inject excitement and respond to feedback from shoppers and tenants ensures ongoing improvement and relevance.

At McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists we have expertise in all forms and size of retail projects. From the well-curated neighbourhood mall to the gigantic super-regional malls.

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In today's retail world, engaging customers has become the key to success. As a retail real estate advisors, McARTHUR Retail Development Specialists draw inspiration from hundreds of successful projects globally. From our operating backgrounds we know that experiential retail can make a real difference.

It's not just about shopping; it's about creating an exciting and extraordinary journey that leaves a lasting impression. By combining entertainment, interactivity, and personalized touches, experiential retail creates a unique shopping destination that excites and connects with customers.

When we think experiential, we also believe a commitment to customer service excellence is a key ingredient.

Imagine walking into a mall and finding shops that go beyond product displays, where every corner offers something special. From interactive displays to fun events, experiential retail attracts shoppers. Imagine a mall full of retailers and restaurateurs, entertainment and service providers that all delivered on the same promise.

The future of retail lies in embracing the extraordinary – redefining shopping experiences and setting new standards for customer engagement.

We're here to help you utilize the potential of experiential retail. Let's connect to explore how our expertise can help you. Together, we'll create a retail destination that goes beyond shopping.

RETAIL PARTNERSHIPS

We are thrilled to announce our contributions to the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres and Retailers (MECSR) this quarter:

RPM Q2 2024: A Journey in Style

Our own Phil has penned an insightful article for RPM, exploring the latest trends in retail property management and the evolving styles that are shaping the industry.

2024 MECSR Directory

We are proud to be featured in the 2024 MECSR Directory.

This edition also includes valuable insights from our Chairman, Phil McArthur, on the Art and Science of Retail Development.

Company Showcase Highlighting our achievements and projects, the company showcase section in the MECSR newsletter provides a comprehensive look at our latest endeavors and future plans.

?????? Z??2 2024: ?? ?????????????? ???? ??????????.

Phil McArthur's article "???????? ?????? ????????????????????: ?????????????? ???????? ???????????? ??????????" provides an insightful look into his extensive career in retail development and the values that have guided his success.

Phil's journey highlights the importance of understanding the ever-evolving retail landscape and maintaining unwavering standards.

This article is both inspirational and practical, offering essential lessons for professionals in the retail sector and beyond.

FEATURED TEAM MEMBERS

Ryan Freeman BA

Senior Retail Leasing Advisor

Ryan’s role as the Founder and Managing Director for Freeman and Company LLC is to help and guide local and international brands in various categories to find the best possible location for their brands in all major malls and leading developers across the GCC and ensure that brand owners achieve their potential in year one and confident to open more stores followed by that

Ryan has Head several retail brands, pharmacies and clinics expand the brand presence and market share across the UAE as well as help with their expansion across Saudi and outside UAE through franchisee.

Dalia Finj, BA Art, MBA Business Finance

Senior Retail Leasing Advisor

Dalia Finj is the founder of Black Dalia Consultancy and a Senior Leasing Strategist operating globally with focus on the MENA region. With 23 years of experience in the property industry, she specialises in strategy, planning, merchandising, and securing anchor tenancy deals.

Since 1999, she’s worked intimately with malls and shopping centres, entertainment hubs, and food and beverage locations, successfully transforming seven super regional and regional spaces. Each project has delivered a highly profitable, head-turning outcome achieved by leaning on her diverse experience and global network within the retail, food and beverage, entertainment, and property industries.

OUR SERVICES

• Market Research & Development Analysis
• Retail Development Review & Turnaround Solutions
• Strategic Planning & Concept Design for New Developments
• Retail Leasing & Merchandising Advisory
• Shopping Centre Management Advisory
• Property Financial Analysis & Business Plans

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