Just Group’s stationery and office supplies business Smiggle has signed an agreement with an existing wholesale partner to open 60 freestanding stores in the Middle East over the next decade.

The stores will be opened in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Premier Investments, owner of the Just Group, said the partner intends to roll out three Smiggle stores in the UAE and four in Qatar before Christmas. Another 13 stores are planned for rollout in FY24.

“This expanded agreement with our wholesale partner in the Middle East underscores the demand for Smiggle products globally,” said Solomon Lew, chairman at Premier Investments.

“We are encouraged by the growth opportunities available to Smiggle as demonstrated by the brand’s strong sales performance post-Covid and we continue to field interest from partners and landlords globally.”

Premier Investments’ retail sales rise as brands recover from Covid-19 impact.