Russian perfume and cosmetics retailer Gold Apple is set to enter the Saudi Arabian market, launching both an online store and a retail outlet in the coming months, according to the retailer’s press service. The Russian Export Center (REC) noted that this marks the first entry of a Russian retailer into the Kingdom.
“The company will take an omnichannel approach, with an online store and its first brick-and-mortar location opening soon in Jeddah. The flagship store, spanning approximately 2,000 square meters, will serve as a destination for shopping, beauty consultations, and workshops,” said the press service.
In its initial phase, the retailer will create over 100 jobs in Saudi Arabia, with nearly half of these positions being filled by local women.
“Russian exporters are showing increasing interest in the Saudi Arabian market, entering through online channels, distributors, and standalone stores. Gold Apple will be not only the first Russian beauty retailer but also the first multi-brand retailer to launch in an omnichannel format in the Kingdom,” stated Abdulselim Vagabov, REC representative in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia will become the sixth market for Gold Apple and its third in the Middle East. The company debuted in Qatar in spring 2024, opening a branch store in Doha and offering nationwide online delivery. In December 2024, Gold Apple launched a test-phase online store in the UAE, with deliveries now available across all seven emirates and plans underway to open an offline store in Dubai.
The product range in its Middle Eastern locations continues to expand. Since its launch in Qatar, the assortment has tripled, and it has grown 1.5 times in the UAE.
About Gold Apple
Gold Apple is one of the largest omnichannel perfume and cosmetics retailers in the CIS region. In addition to Russia, the company operates in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Qatar, and the UAE, offering online delivery across all five countries. In Russia, Gold Apple has physical stores in 19 cities, offering over 4,500 brands across categories such as beauty products, accessories, home goods, and more.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Elua sagirova/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS