GMG plans to open 100 stores across Egypt and add more than 1,000 jobs in the market

GMG, a global well-being company operating leading brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics sectors, today renewed its commitment to the Egyptian market and opened its headquarters in District 5, Cairo.

To support its continued growth in the country, GMG is also looking to increase its current Egyptian workforce 10 times in the next four years, adding more than 1,000 jobs to the Egyptian economy. These roles will be split across retail sales, admin, and management functions.

The UAE-based conglomerate’s latest investment builds on its bold growth plans unveiled in January 2022 to open more than 100 sports retail stores across Egypt by 2026 for its leading international and home-grown sports brands Sun & Sand Sports, dropkick, Nu Athlete, and Nike.

Earlier this year, GMG also announced a strategic partnership with Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), Egypt’s leading real estate developer, to launch a Sun & Sand Sports store at the new All Seasons Park mall, and a Nike store at the highly sought-after Open Air Mall. GMG is also keenly exploring e-commerce opportunities in the country with local distribution partners, backed by an ambitious omnichannel strategy.

Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, commented: “We see strong potential in Egypt for all our sports brands. This aligns with our unique retail concepts, portfolio of the world’s biggest sports and wellness brands, and increasing digital footprint. We will continue investing in this dynamic market to deliver new retail experiences while inspiring new lifestyle habits built around health and well-being.”

The Egyptian retail sector is one of the Middle East’s largest and is growing rapidly. Kearney’s 2021 Global Retail Development Index projected an annual growth rate of around 5% for Egyptian retail, rising from $200bn in 2020 to $254bn in 2025. E-commerce is experiencing a similarly positive trend, expected to increase from $7.7bn in 2022 and $13.2bn in 2025, supported by Egypt’s young, urban, and tech-savvy population and expanding middle class.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of our new office in Egypt, which unfolds a new chapter in our international growth strategy. We are all set to introduce some of the best products and concepts in the world to the nation’s sports enthusiasts. Due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving retail sector, Egypt presents GMG with a wide range of opportunities to engage with new partners and customers, ” stated Imad El Ghazal, Senior Vice President – Sports, Africa, GMG.

Today, GMG has a presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. Its entry into Egypt follows a major expansion into Southeast Asia, where it recently opened its Asian headquarters in Malaysia. By 2025, GMG aims to double its global workforce through acquisitions, developing fresh concepts, and entering new geographies. Since its founding in 1977, GMG has introduced more than 120 international brands into its markets while creating quality-driven, home-grown brand concepts.