Robinsons department store in Dubai Festival City Mall closes permanently

The team behind the much-loved store have issued a formal statement

Robinsons in Dubai Festival City Mall has closed permanently. Courtesy Robinsons

It's been a stalwart of UAE's retail scene since it launched in 2017. However, in March, Robinsons department store in Dubai Festival City Mall, quietly shut shop permanently.

The brand, which spanned three floors of the mall, closed down on March 28, due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a spokesperson.

“Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, we have focused on protecting our customers and employees. Like many retailers, we have had to adapt to an evolving consumer landscape,” read a comment from Robinsons Corporate Communications.

Dubai's Robinsons department store closed in February. Courtesy Robinsons

“Despite recent challenges in the industry, the Robinsons team continued to pursue the success of the brand. We want to thank our customers for their patronage and support over the past years. As part of the Al-Futtaim Group we take pride in knowing that our customers will continue to be served.”

Loyal customers received messages prior to the closure thanking them for their business over the years.

"As a continued recognition of your loyalty, all Blue cashback acquired from purchases at Robinsons will still be redeemable in all participating outlets and stores," the message read.

The store has been a popular one-stop shop for make-up, jewellery, home accessories, footwear, and fashion brands for men and women over the years.

It retailed a number of big names including Carolina Herrera, Aspinal of London, Sophia Webster, Estee Lauder, Maje, Tom Ford and more.

Big retail outlets around the world have been hit hard as the coronavirus pandemic changes customer spending habits. A number of brands, including Debenhams, Topshop and The Modist, that have restructured or had to shut shop.

It was announced in January that British e-tailer Asos was in talks to buy Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge. The sale went through in February and has affected about 2,500 jobs.