Koton proves fast-fashion is big business; The brand expands its presence across the UAE, opening new stores in Dubai Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall and increasing its floor space in Dubai Mall

Koton, the international fashion brand owned regionally by Landmark International, has recently expanded its presence across the UAE, highlighting the continued profitability of fast-fashion. After having invested 4.2 Million dhs in the UAE into the brands expansion in 2010, there are now nine stores across the country, with the most recent opened in Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi Mall.                                                                                                                                                                                           

In 2010 the brand’s market performance was exceptional and exceeded sales targets with a 17% growth in revenue, highlighting its growing popularity and reflecting a return in consumer confidence to the market.

To cater to the ever-increasing popularity of the brand, Landmark International also increased the size of its Dubai Mall Store, bringing Koton’s total floor space across the region to 140,400 sq ft, an increase of 17%.

According to Emma Barber, Head of Business at Koton, “Customer response to recent collections in store has been really positive showing that Koton is really getting it right when it comes to fast-fashion. We believe that the retail sector will continue to improve throughout 2011 and our recent expansion is intended to cater to this demand. The stores have been designed to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience following research on making best use of floor space and creating the right ambience in store ambience. We hope that they enjoy the new stores.”

In 2011, the brand is looking to open further stores in Saudi Arabia and UAE, with strong growth projected for the rest of the year.

Miles Young, general manager at Landmark International added: “Last year was a very positive year for Koton, showing like for like growth. On this basis, we were able to open new stores in all territories. This growth will be continuing in 2011 as testament to the brand’s popularity within the region, demonstrating Landmark International’s continual commitment to develop fashion brands across the GCC. ”

About Koton

KOTON, the international fashion brand for young adults has 153 stores in Turkey and 70 stores around the world in 19 different countries.  Headquartered in Istanbul, Koton designs, produces and distributes more than 7000 individual styles of fashion apparel in 20 collections per year.

Under the umbrella of the KOTON brand, there are three sub-labels: Olé for younger women; KOTON Women, aimed at sophisticated ladies; and KOTON Men, targeting 20-30 year olds. Launched in the Middle East in 2004, Landmark International currently has 32:  21 stores in Saudi Arabia, nine stores in the UAE and two stores in Bahrain.  For more information visit the Koton website at www.koton.com.tr and www.ole.com.tr

About Landmark International (LMI)

Landmark International is spearheading Landmark Group’s next expansion stage, sourcing, securing and rolling-out internationally successful fashion and lifestyle brands in the Middle East.

Using Landmark Group's already formidable strengths in fashion and lifestyle retailing, the division's expansion plans aim to make the Group one of the leading retail partners in the region. Already LMI has attracted an enviable collection of international apparel and footwear brands since it began operations in late 2004.  These include New Look, Koton, Reiss and Aftershock.

LMI operates a number of stand alone stores across the GCC, and will be operating approximately 100 stores by the end of 2011 across the Middle East and North Africa region.