Since opening its first store on Martyrs’ Square in 1936, ABC has grown to become a reference point in the Lebanese retail industry. Boasting over 60,000 square meters of shopping space distributed across eight outlets, the group’s malls secure some 7.5 million visits annually, giving ABC an estimated 13% market share of Beirut’s retail industry revenues. Executive spoke to ABC’s director, Karim Fadel, on how the group weathered the storm of 2005, and on lessons learned by the company whilst expanding and evolving to meet the changing needs of customers. E It’s been two years since ABC Ashrafieh opened. What lessons have been learnt over the course of this period and how, if at all, has the mall been a model for modern Lebanese retail culture? We’ve learnt a couple of lessons along the way on what constitutes key success factors for a mall. Firstly, a good location is essential.
