International brands refuse to leave Beirut .. money and projects that will ignite the markets soon

Beirut, the city that does not know the refraction, today proves that it is not defeated, and that the pulse of life is stronger than any stumbling block. Amid the rubble of crises and the darkness of difficult years, Beirut markets make their way steadfastly, and return to restore its glory, not only as a shopping destination, but as a symbol of the steadfastness of a city that is difficult to fade. In the heart of the capital, the doors open again to dozens of global and local brands, in a scene that reflects the confidence of the Lebanese market and its ability to attract investments despite the challenges. Among the corridors of the markets, the voices of life are rising, cafes and restaurants are crowded with pioneers, and the facades of the bright stores are shining, while Beirut is preparing for an exceptional summer, where festivals, events, expatriates return, and a tourist movement worthy of a capital that is only satisfied with first place. They are not just numbers for shops that reopened their doors, or the names of brands found in Beirut their new destination. It is a living testimony that this city, which bends for a moment, is soon rising again, to write another chapter of the story of hope and victory.

From the heart of the beating markets, the numbers alone speak .. More than 80 “Brand” and a global “brand” are still steadfast, including what remains despite the circumstances, and another returned, because it believes that the heart of Beirut created investment, work, and the continuation of investment with the taste and sophistication that the Lebanese are accustomed to, which has become an urgent need regardless of the circumstances that must continue.

In a special interview about the situation of the markets today, and its willingness to receive large investments and complete the implementation of the plans that were placed before the start of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, the Director General of Beirut Markets – General Trade Director of Solidere, Adeeb Al -Naqib for “Lebanon 24” what is happening today inside the markets, explained that in Beirut markets there is a mix between global and local brands that exceed 80 brands that meet all tastes and budget And cafes, supermarkets, cinema, games and entertainment. It is the most important of which are: “Adidas – Bershka – Boggi – Calzedonia – Calvin Klein – Creed – Diesel – Dunkin ‘Donuts – EA7 – ETAM – Joue Club – Lacoste – L’CCitane – Mac – Mango – Massimo Dutti – Mayorale – MC2 – Nike – Oysho – Paul & Shark – Skecers – Starbucks – Stradivarius – Sunglass Hut – Tag Heuer – True Rellenge – TwinSet – Weeknd – Yves Rocher-Zara.
As for local brands, Beirut markets are currently hosting many signs, the most important of which are:
101 SQM- Giovane- Hallak- Jazzmin- Kult- Mag Optics- Poe Tahiti- Potion Kitchen- Project N7- Salute- SPORTS Experts- “.tabbah- The Potlok- Zahar Kids- Zoughaib & Co.

Al -Naqeeb told “Lebanon 24” that with the aim of making the shopping experience unique and distinctive, Beirut markets succeeded in attracting a group of new international brands, which open for the first time in Lebanon and exclusively in the markets, including: “Alo Yoga, Eataly, The Giveing ​​Movement, Zara Café, by adding to the TUMI store, which replaced it in Lebanon only in markets Beirut”.

On his evaluation of the market conditions today, the captain said: “Beirut markets are currently witnessing an increasing demand and commercial movement with the reopening of stores, restaurants and entertainment halls, and this is what the percentage of sales, the increasing visitor movement and the atmosphere is very positive, and this is what we have touched from enthusiasm and the eagerness of visitors to return to shopping in Beirut markets, eat and spend time and entertainment.”

The captain pointed out that “currently in the Beirut markets there are 86 brands that work actually and distinguished from dressing, fashion, restaurants, cafes and entertainment halls in addition to the cinemas and supermarkets .. In March alone and until now 25 brands have been opened, and the market will witness more openings, as 28 new brands will be opened gradually within 3 months at a maximum level to reach 90% In addition to a number of stores under negotiation.
The captain considered that on the other hand, the opening of the roads contributed to enhancing the interdependence between the areas of the commercial center, from summer to the port, through the Beirut markets and the port of Al -Hosn to Al -Najma Square, which reflected positively on the commercial movement and increased demand, as well as the high investor inquiries about the shops available in Al -Najma Square.

To the restaurants sector, the Director General of Beirut Markets – General Trade Director of Solidere, Adeeb Al -Naqib told “Lebanon 24” that “the restaurant and cafes sector in Beirut markets is witnessing a remarkable recovery as this sector has been strengthened by including about 22 restaurants and cafes, and currently there are 12 restaurants and cafes who receive visitors, the most important of which are:“ ALAILEEN – Beit Sara – Cafe Centre Ville – Crepaway – Grid – Lezard Noir – OBI – Someday in Beirut – Sour Dough – Starbucks – ZAD EL BAHER.
In parallel, another group is preparing to open its doors in the coming months, including: “Amaleen Cafe – butres – Cyrano Sandwicherie – DIP N DIP – Dunkin ‘Donuts – Eataly – Market – Socrate – X By Patchi – Zara Cafe.”
The captain considered that this momentum reflects the insistence of Beirut markets, investors and entrepreneurs to restore life to this vital landmark, and adds more diversity and renewal to the scene, and makes Beirut markets a major and distinctive destination for food and shopping lovers and a permanent destination for citizens in Lebanon, especially with the approaching summer season that is expected to attract tourists and expatriates.
But what about the plans that were placed before the war? In this context, the captain says: “The plans laid down for Beirut markets are implemented gradually and studied, starting with the successive openings of the most important brands, through activities and events, especially during the holiday period, which enhances interaction with visitors and pioneers For Arab and foreign citizens and tourists.

Al -Naqeeb confirmed during his speech that the center of Beirut is witnessing an active commercial movement with the increasing demand for the summer areas, the port of Al -Hosn, the port, and the Beirut markets. The demand for the exhibition street and the areas surrounding the parliament also increased, after opening the roads there in coordination with the presidency of the Council, in a move that enhances commercial and economic activity in the region.

He said: “In the context of improving the business environment and attracting investments, Solidere, in coordination with the Beirut municipality and SMS, launched an initiative to light all the streets of the center two years ago. The company is now completing its efforts by lighting the perimeter of Parliament and the exhibition street and banks, as part of a broader plan to revive the economic movement. These efforts will continue with Beirut municipality and economic bodies through more decisions and steps aimed at attracting Investors and merchants. ”

In numbers, he indicated this growth appears through the high occupancy rates in various sectors:
Residential apartments: 95%
Offices: 80%, with the expectation of 90% during the summer
Commercial stores: 75-80%
Real Estate on the waterfront: 95% (available real estate), and restaurants include nightclubs, colors, gyms, and celebration halls.

He added that this summer, the waterfront will host international festivals with the participation of international and Arab artists, which will enhance the polarization of residents, expatriates, and tourists, and contributes to restoring Beirut to its position as a major destination for shopping and entertainment in the region.

The captain concluded his speech in the saying: “All these factors confirm that Beirut is moving steadily towards restoring its role as a vibrant economic and cultural center, attracting Lebanese and tourists from the Gulf and the world, and paves the way for a brighter future for the commercial milieu.”