Watsons has officially entered the Bahrain market with the opening of a new flagship store at City Centre Bahrain Mall. The announcement, made by AS Watson Group and Al-Futtaim Group, underscores Watsons’ strategic growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Bahrain store is the third to open in the country within three months, complementing its presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Bahrain, a key GCC market, offers significant potential for health and beauty retail. A youthful population, with over two-thirds under the age of 35, is driving demand for premium beauty products. Social media and evolving lifestyle trends have further boosted interest in personal grooming, presenting a dynamic opportunity for Watsons. Projections indicate that Bahrain’s health and beauty market will grow by $38.8 million at a compound annual growth rate of 5% between 2024 and 2029.
Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, described the milestone as a testament to the company’s commitment to the region, saying:
“The expansion of Watsons health and beauty retail experience into Bahrain is an important milestone in our commitment in the GCC region. Just as important, this new flagship store further strengthens our partnership with Al-Futtaim Group to serve customers in this vibrant region where high-quality beauty and health products are increasingly in demand.”
Spanning 200 square metres, the flagship store at City Centre Bahrain Mall showcases over 200 local and international brands. Key zones include the Derma Zone, offering personalised skincare recommendations alongside internationally renowned products, and the Skincare Zone, highlighting popular Korean and Japanese beauty brands. Additional features include a dedicated Makeup Zone and a Sustainable Zone, aligning with modern customer needs.
Simon Naga, Vice President of Al-Futtaim Group, highlighted the importance of the Bahrain expansion:
“The opening of our flagship Watsons store in Bahrain is a testament to our commitment to enhancing customer experiences across the region. As we continue to expand our footprint in the GCC market, we focus on delivering innovative retail solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.”
