Saks hair & beauty expands into kuwait

Saks Hair & Beauty will launch its first salon in Kuwait in August 2013, with two further salons and an training academy to follow within three years. The leading hair and beauty franchise group will make its first step into the Middle East with a 2,000 sq ft salon in Mahboula, kitted out by Saks Design to ensure the decor is on brand with the group's UK operations. The flagship will be spread over three floors in a purpose-built building amidst luxury hotels, offices and gardens. A team of more than 20 hair and beauty professionals will be employed in the first salon, all of whom received expert training from key members of the Saks Art Team and the group's head of beauty ahead of the launch. The new venture is opening in partnership with master licensee, Naiwa General Trading Company - a salon operator with considerable experience in the country. Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world and the most liberal country in Western Asia, making it a popular working destination for the 250,000 British and American ex-pats currently living there. Stephen Kee, managing director at Saks, says: "Our Mumbai salons are a huge success and we’re also established in Dubai, with further openings in other United Arab Emirates countries and Qatar next. Kuwait is a logical addition and has been on our radar for some time now. "We regularly receive franchise interest from all around the world and we’re lucky that we can be choosy. The first things we check are background, business strategy and location. Our Kuwait master franchisee is capable, dynamic, and ambitious ¬so we’re extremely pleased to have them on board."