Page 17 - #181 May 2023

Inside of Tod’s Store, Dubai Mall Aqu azzur a Flagship St ore , Dubai Mall
Aquazzura Flagship Store, Dubai Mall
Dubai, UAE Dubai, U AE
Dubai, UAE
“It is not so much about the number of brands or stores, for us what are also investing in highly effective customer relationship management
is more important is the quality and value of our partnerships and – tools, which allow businesses across the Group to further enhance their
looking ahead – the expansion by the brand and the development plans interactions with clients. This helps them to increase their collective
we are undertaking,” explains Ingie Chalhoub, Founder & President understanding of customer preferences and feedback, to then provide an
Etoile Group. “Etoile Group has been able to place each of these even more bespoke experience. They are also firm believers that their
premium brands’ growth in the region on an upward trend throughout ongoing investment in long-term partnerships is what has helped convert
the course of our partnerships with them, assisting them in reaching new their clientele into brand ambassadors who help to tell the Etoile story.
markets and gaining access to new client demographics.” With a greater importance placed on sustainability than ever before,
Last year was a strong one for the Group as it achieved double- Ingie feels that brands understand the need to embed sustainability
digit growth, even eclipsing their own projections. They on-boarded into their business models, as consumers grow more conscious of the
new brands to broaden their portfolio and they launched boutiques in environmental and social effects of their purchasing decisions.
new and existing locations, improving accessibility to and increasing the “At Etoile Group, we have taken a sustainable approach across our
awareness of their brands. head office and boutiques and prioritise procurement from partners and
To continue this momentum, there are ambitious yet attainable plans suppliers that are compliant with the rules of the Fashion Pact, a global
for 2023 and 2024. Ingie feels that making smart investments in the initiative that was launched in 2019 and is aimed at reducing the fashion
Group’s physical presence over the next two years, will drive further industry’s environmental impact. I also strongly believe that there is an
growth and success. intrinsic commitment to sustainability in luxury fashion. Whether this is in
As part of this continued expansion strategy, they now have 60 preservation of craftsmanship and artisanal skills or in the production of
projects in progress or planned for the future. This includes renovating quality fabrics and materials, luxury fashion and design is about creating
existing boutiques to improve the experience for their clients, as well as collections and pieces that can be passed down through generations. It
opening new boutiques to reach new markets and audiences. is the antithesis of fast fashion.”
“Our focus today is on the Gulf Cooperation Council nations. This When presented with the question of what she considers to be the
is our home market and I believe that our customer understanding and main reasons behind the success and longevity of Etoile Group, Ingie
client relationships are unmatched. This region not only delivers strong responds by saying this is due to the expertise and hard work of the
returns for us today, but also continues to offer significant growth people they employ. She goes on to say that perseverance and diligence
potential. That’s why, in the coming months, we will be opening new when combined produce a culture that propels the Group to success.
boutiques in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as reopening “In terms of what lies ahead, I have great expectations. With an aggressive
boutiques in Lebanon,” Ingie highlights. plan to double Etoile Group’s revenue by 2025, we have multiple plans
The focus of Etoile Group has always been on providing a very high and projects in the works, including launching more boutiques, acquiring
level of personalised service and unmatched attention. By offering a new brands and venturing into new markets,” explains Ingie.
concierge-like service, the company has built strong relationships with its She concludes the interview by saying the Middle East’s luxury retail industry
clientele over generations. By investing in these deep connections, they has a bright future and will continue to be influenced by factors such as the
were able to grow the business during Covid-19, as they made home region’s growing e-commerce and digital channel adoption, the demand for
visits to their clients, sharing hand-picked collections that reflected their sustainable and ethical luxury goods and the growth of the luxury travel industry.
clients’ individual sense of style and aesthetics. “Etoile Group is embracing these trends and is eager to further solidify
As well as continuing this level of personal engagement today, they its position as an ambassador of luxury fashion expertise and excellence.”

Tod’s Store, Dubai Mall
Dubai, UAE