Shopping from the comfort of your sofa isn't a new concept, but not all brands have rolled out their own, dedicated sites across the world.
However, Swiss fashion house Bally has just announced the launch of a dedicated e-commerce service for the Middle East, joining a plethora of other labels that have rolled out online shopping platforms in the region over the past few months.
Partly in response to Covid-19 restrictions and partly to cement a truly global marketplace, we look at a few other major names that have embraced e-commerce in the Middle East in recent weeks.
Bally
Bally is the latest house to announce the launch of a dedicated e-commerce platform for the Middle East, with a site specifically for pan-Arab countries including Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE.
Customers in Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq will also be able to access the platform that allows customers to access Bally’s sneakers, leather goods and bags. Among the offerings is a beautiful new iteration of Bally’s arguably most famous shoe, the Bally Scribe. Called the Scavone, it is a calf leather Chelsea boot that has been lovingly hand polished for a perfect finish.
This marks the latest chapter in Bally’s long engagement with the region, since opening the doors to its first UAE boutique in 2004.
Azzi & Osta
The Lebanese couture and ready-to-wear house of Azzi & Osta recently launched a new e-commerce platform that brings its signature dramatic tailoring to a global audience.
Think slim-line cocktail dresses, sculptural gowns and modern interpretations of everyday classics, such as a trench coat now given a lace-panelled back.
In a new approach, the site will operate on a pre-order basis only, to promote the concept of slow fashion. Once an order for autumn / winter 2020, and spring / summer 2021 ready-to-wear pieces has been placed, the buyer can expect the finished items to be delivered within two to four weeks.
Hermès
The French luxury house of Hermès launched e-commerce across Saudi Arabia and the UAE in October 2020, marking the company’s first marketplace in the kingdom.
With the same discreet ambiance of an Hermès boutique, the site allows customers to journey through its ready-to-wear, leather goods and, of course, its fabled multi-hued silk scarves. Divided into a sections with evocative names such as Cave of Wonders, Ink Blue and Coastal Creations, this is the perfect entry into the sublime, if idiosyncratic, world of high luxury.
Bloomingdale's Middle East
Bloomingdale's Middle East unveiled a new chapter in service in September 2020, when it rolled out its e-commerce site across the Middle East.
Giving customers the ability to access the entire department store through a few clicks of a button, it can offer same-day delivery across the UAE, and express delivery to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. With physical stores present in both the UAE and Kuwait, shoppers there can also benefit from a two-hour click-and-collect service, with an iOS app also launched.
With its wealth of brands across men’s, women’s and childrenswear, as well as beauty, fine jewellery and even homeware, the site offers a 360-degree journey through the entire department store.
Max Mara
September also saw the launch of e-commerce for the Italian house of Max Mara. Available in both English and Arabic, the site puts the full range of Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara at customers' fingertips, including runway collections, accessories, shoes and even jewellery.
Its renowned cashmere 101801 coat can be found online, as can the simple, unfussy and beautifully cut staples that made the brand famous. As a name that excels in simple, unfussy and beautifully cut staples, having this accessible online is a really positive note.
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