The Best Of What’s Going On In MENA

Robert Fadel And The ABC Malls Saga

Established in 1936, ABC was the first department store to open its doors in the Middle East. In 2003, with the opening of ABC Achrafieh Mall, ABC introduced the first mall in Lebanon and was the first retail store to branch throughout the country and expand its reach to a wider scope of customers. With its six branches spread across Lebanon displaying a full range of brand name products as well as an average of 11 million visitors per year and 97% brand awareness in Lebanon, ABC has evolved from being a single retailer to a commercial real estate developer and a franchisee. ABC currently operates 6 retail outlets including 2 flagship department stores in prime locations as well as the first open air mall to meet international standards in the region. The other 4 regional stores are spread throughout Lebanon. ABC has been growing and maturing since its establishment as it was the first retailer to employ women, to install fixed prices and develop advertising campaigns. ABC was the first mall to ban smoking while allocating free space to Lebanese designers to promote their business. For more than 75 years, ABC has been offering its customers inspiring experiences equivalent to international standards. And that for the pleasure of all Lebanese who flock to ABC to forget about their worries and Lebanon's never ending political woes...