House of Fraser opens first international flagship

House of Fraser is expanding in the Middle East and has opened its first flagship outside of the UK. It's new 100,000 square foot department store will open in Abu Dhabi's World Trade Center over four stories this weekend. In collaboration with its

franchise partner Retail Arabia International the company is hoping to further develop and expand in the market.

House of Fraser said the “upbeat, contemporary” designed store includes an “extensive premium offer” of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, jewellery, home accessories and beauty brands.

New and exclusive house brands will include Biba, Linea, Howick and Therapy with international brands will feature Ush, HossIntropia, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Versace Jeans, Porsche Design, Vivienne Westwood and Victoria Beckham.

HoF will offer British brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Victoria Beckham

Services will include a personal shopping suite, beauty rooms, a mother and daughter spa, and a personalised loyalty programme.

CEO John King said: “The opening of our first international flagship store marks a significant milestone in the continued development of House of Fraser. The store complements our existing global presence through our leading online offer and is the first step in our expansion plan for the Middle East.”

House of Fraser currently operates over 60 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was established in Glasgow, Scotland in 1849 as Arthur and Fraser. By 1891 it was known as Fraser & Sons.

House of Fraser was one of the UK's first department stores to offer the buy and collection option for its customers in October 2011 with its first location in Aberdeen. These much smaller shop units have PC terminals allowing customers to order from the House of Fraser website and use the Buy & Collect service.

Image: House of Fraser