Opening of Initial Martha Stewart Retail Outlets Begins, Commencing in Dubai
Martha Stewart Expands Retail Presence with International Store Openings
Martha Stewart has embarked on a retail expansion journey, starting with the opening of her first physical stores in Dubai, UAE, in July 2025. This launch marks the debut of stand-alone Martha Stewart stores and is part of a broader regional expansion plan that includes opening additional locations in India, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in the near future.
The Dubai stores are operated in partnership with Apparel Group, a major retail conglomerate in the Middle East. This partnership provides market expertise and operational support, and Apparel Group is also expanding in India and the GCC region, facilitating Martha Stewart’s planned entry into these markets.
In May 2023, a Martha Stewart store was already opened at Dubai Hills Mall, with another planned for summer 2023. The expansion reflects Marquee Brands’ strategy of growing the Martha Stewart brand globally through partnerships, leveraging local retail infrastructure to enter new geographic markets.
The Martha Stewart retail stores are designed to reflect Martha Stewart's style and attention to detail, offering an "immersive" shopping experience. Products in categories including kitchenware, bedding, bath, home fragrance, and entertaining are available at these stores. They are not just points of purchase, but destinations for consumers to find inspiration and practical ideas for home improvement.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, stated that the Martha Stewart stores are destinations for discovery, inspiration, and exceptional design. The company, which also manages a portfolio of recognized retailers such as BCBGMaxAzria, A Pea in the Pod, Ben Sherman, and Laura Ashley, acquired at the start of this year, is committed to growing the Martha Stewart brand internationally.
This expansion comes after Marquee Brands' joint venture with CSC Generation, which bought Sur La Table out of bankruptcy in 2020 for around $89 million. The first Sur La Table store in Dubai was recently opened in partnership with Apparel Group.
Plans for additional stores in India, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are in the works, but exact timelines have not been detailed yet. The Martha Stewart flagship stores are set to become a significant part of the international retail landscape, offering consumers a unique and inspiring shopping experience.
[1] Dubai-based Apparel Group partners with Marquee Brands for Martha Stewart retail stores in Dubai. (2023). Retail News Middle East.
[2] Apparel Group to expand in India and GCC region. (2022). Gulf News.
[3] Martha Stewart to open stores in Dubai, India, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. (2025). Forbes Middle East.
- As Martha Stewart's retail expansion continues, one might envision a potential collaboration between her brand and AI technology, creating a more immersive shopping experience in the space of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden.
- With the escalating global presence of Martha Stewart's retail presence, there could be a positive impact on the lifestyle sector, as consumers become exposed to new trends and inspiration from international design.
- In a world where wars and conflicts continue to disrupt our lives, the opening of Martha Stewart stores in war-free regions such as the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia signifies a positive step towards peace and a broader global community focused on shared interests, like home improvement and the enjoyment of fashion-and-beauty.
