Nature Republic taps into Saudi Arabian beauty market

Saudi Arabian women shopping at Nature Republic's store in Al Nakheel Mall. / Courtesy of Nature Republic

By Park Si-soo

South Korean cosmetics maker Nature Republic has opened its first store in Saudi Arabia in a move to expand its overseas business.

The flagship store is in Al Nakheel Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in Riyadh, the capital. The Seoul-based company will open four more stores there by the end of the year under a strategic partnership with local retailer Fawaz Alhokair.

Saudi Arabia becomes the 18th country where Nature Republic is doing business. The cosmetics market there has grown by an annual average of 15 percent in recent years, according to Nature Republic. The Middle East's cosmetics market is expected to grow by up to $36 billion by 2020, according to the company.

“We have thoroughly prepared for nearly two years, conducting various surveys and setting marketing strategies, to tap the Saudi Arabian market,” an official said.

“We entered Indonesia successfully early this year, and now we have set up a presence in the Middle East.

“We will continue to expand in Saudi Arabia and beyond, especially into oil-rich member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).”