GMG Caps 2024 with Milestones in Strategic Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation
GMG, a global leader in promoting healthy lifestyles across multiple sectors, announced its remarkable achievements for 2024, marking significant progress in strategic expansion, sustainability initiatives, and digital innovation.
The UAE-based conglomerate extended its 12-year partnership with VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories. GMG, currently operating 90 VF brand stores across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, will open over 300 new stores in these regions over the next five years while enhancing e-commerce operations for VF brands.
This expansion aligns with the booming retail market, which is forecast to grow from $28.3 billion in 2023 to $37.7 billion by 2027. The Middle East and North Africa region remains a hotspot for retail investments due to its growing population, high purchasing power, and increasing attraction to global brands. Simultaneously, Southeast Asia’s retail sector is rebounding, driven by rising incomes, infrastructure development, and growing tourism.
Strengthening Partnerships and Regional Footprint
GMG and Nike, partners since 1982, advanced their collaboration to cater to digital shoppers by launching Nike.ae, Nike.sa, and the brand's first regional mobile app. GMG further expanded Nike’s digital reach into Kuwait and Qatar, delivering seamless premium experiences to more customers.
The group strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with JD Sports, opening its first store in Riyadh Park Mall. Additionally, GMG witnessed notable growth in Egypt, operating 26 stores with plans to increase the number to 100 by 2026.
Product Innovation and New Launches
GMG’s Consumer Products Division showcased its innovation at leading exhibitions like Gulfood and SIAL Paris, introducing award-nominated products such as “Shnacks” chicken chips. It also unveiled new food brands like “La Infitada” and “The Secret”, alongside existing favorites Farm Fresh, Sapora, and Spirit.
The company launched GMG Home, featuring outdoor luxury furniture from Suncoast and stylish collections from Monoprix Maison, offering practical luxury for indoor and outdoor living.
Sustainability Milestones and Social Impact
GMG made strides in sustainability with its first sustainability report, highlighting achievements like transitioning to 89% green energy in logistics, reducing over 2,000 tons of carbon emissions. Environmental initiatives included avoiding the use of 295,000 plastic bottles through Dubai’s Al Qudra water station and replacing 35,000 sqm of plastic tape with eco-friendly alternatives.
GMG’s CSR program, GMG Giving, positively impacted communities by providing AED 70,000 worth of food to families in need and distributing 2,320 meals during Ramadan across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
The group also championed diversity through its EmpowHer initiative, fostering opportunities for women, and forged a strategic partnership with Al Noor Center to support people of determination.
Digital Innovation and Customer-Centric Infrastructure
GMG enhanced its logistics infrastructure with AI-powered technologies, achieving faster delivery times of 12-24 hours in major cities and reducing fleet size by 7%. The Nike Membership Program proved successful, generating 75% of sales through member transactions in its first month.
Mohammed Baqer, Vice Chairman and CEO of GMG, stated: “As we close 2024, our strategic growth, digital transformation, and commitment to sustainability reflect GMG’s evolution as a global retail leader. We continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences while driving positive community and environmental impact.”
