ABC Dbayeh Announces the Completion of Its Full Renovation and Extension Providing a Unique Shopping Experience with a Sea-View Food Court, the First VIP Cinema Theater and a Full Range of International Brands
In the presence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lebanon General Michel Sleiman, ABC celebrated the opening of its expanded mall ABC Dbayeh. The renovated mall now offers a total shopping experience including more brands from international and Lebanese designers, a new sea-view food court and the first-in-Lebanon VIP cinema within a top notch 8-screen movie complex. The opening ceremony presented Lebanon with one of the year’s most magnificent launch events and marked the beginning of a refreshing new lifestyle experience. With this development, ABC Dbayeh becomes the second largest mall of the ABC chain with 45,000 square meters of retail space, providing Lebanese customers and tourists with a complete shopping and entertainment experience that satisfies every need and desire.
The opening ceremony, which has been described as an event beyond compare, took place in attendance of leading figures from the government, diplomatic bodies and private sector, as well as renowned figures from the Lebanese civil society. The event started with a press conference with Mr. Robert Fadel, Chairman and CEO of ABC, and was followed by a ceremony inaugurated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lebanon General Michel Sleiman who, together with Mr. Fadel, illuminated the new state-of-the-art façade, declaring ABC Dbayeh officially open. Guests were staggered with the breathtaking international vertical tambour, astonishing fireworks and the fascinating impulses of the 3D mapping show which transformed the walls of ABC into a stage for a spectacular performance between the earth and the sky.
“Our customers can now enjoy a totally new shopping experience, that combines entertainment and shopping and makes ABC Dbayeh a destination for teens and families”, said Mr. Fadel. “We have chosen to make a significant investment in this renovation and expansion project at a time where the Lebanese economy essentially needs a stimulus and the area residents are thirsty for a refreshingly new development”, he added.
The new shopping mall is believed to help stimulate the economic activity in the area, as it adds new job opportunities and attract approximately 20 percent more visitors in the coming 12 months to the shopping stores and restaurants now open.
ABC, a Lebanese company growing since 1936, was the first retailer to hire women, to fix prices and to advertise. ABC opened the first mall in Lebanon and was the first mall to ban smoking in Lebanon and to offer a dedicated and free retail space to Lebanese designers.
Today ABC Dbayeh is home to key retailers such as H&M, Aizone, Virgin and Grand Cinemas that have joined the renovated shopping area next to hundreds of shops and brands spanning fashion, cosmetics, fragrances, home ware, and books. The mall also comprises best-in class restaurants overlooking the seacoast – including Leila, Roadster, Café Flore, Napoletana, Pinkberry, OBI, Duo, Kerim’s Café and Aishti Gossip – an 8-screen cinema including the first VIP cinema in Lebanon and the biggest Kids area, Kidsville, the largest fashion and entertainment area just for kids spread over 8,000 square meters.
Revolving around the impression of haute couture and inspired by ABC’s culture, the internationally renowned “nArchitects” firm with its Principal-in-Charge Eric Bunge, re-lifted ABC Dbayeh store’s facade creating a vivid yet cohesive building in the midst of a busy highway. On the other hand, the innovative and creative revamping of ABC Dbayeh was the signature achievement of project architects “A-Consult”, the regional providers of architectural design and project delivery services.
For more than 75 years, ABC has provided customers with quality merchandise, professional service and a vibrant and eclectic shopping environment. With the revamped ABC Dbayeh, ABC once again delivers its promise by offering an unprecedented and unique retailtainement experience that delights customers and partners alike.
About ABC
Name ABC department store
Overview Established in 1936, ABC opened its doors and was the first retail store to branch throughout the country and expand its reach to a wider scope of customers. In 2003, with the opening of ABC Achrafieh Mall, ABC introduced the first open-air mall in Lebanon. 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 Group has evolved over the years from being a single retailer to a commercial real estate developer and a franchisee. ABC currently operates six retail outlets across Lebanon including two flagship malls in prime locations as well as the first open air mall to meet international standards in the region.
Origin ABC is a Lebanese company established in 1936.
Summary ABC Department Store is a one-stop shopping destination offering a wide range of brands, restaurants and entertainment. With its six branches spread across Lebanon ABC welcomes an average of 11 million visitors per year. ABC Group has evolved from being a single retailer to a commercial real estate developer and a franchisee and offers a unique experience of retailtainment. Meeting the demands of dynamic retailers and catering to the needs of a broad consumer base are what have made ABC Group what it is today.
Impact highlights ABC has created over 1,000 job opportunities and welcomes more than 11 million visitors a year.
Timeline 1936: Inauguration of ABC Bab Idriss 1940: Inauguration of ABC Borj 1948: Inauguration of ABC Hamra 1959: Inauguration of ABC Tripoli 1973: Inauguration of ABC Zahle 1978: Inauguration of ABC Kaslik 1979: Inauguration of ABC Dbayeh flagship store 2003: ABC Achrafieh opening (first open-air mall up to international standards in the Middle East) 2005: Inauguration of ABC Bab Idriss 2008-2009: ABC Dbayeh renovation plan 2009: In 2009, ABC obtained the ISO 9001:2008 certifications (accreditation covers both of ABC’s scope of operations; Mall Management and Operation as well as General Retail success) 2012: ABC become a smoking free environment ABC Dbayeh expansion to include new anchors stores, food court and 8-screens movie complex
