The ongoing political instability in Lebanon has taken an economic toll on the embattled nation, but it seems that foreign companies in the Mediterranean country have not been dissuaded. The recent removal of the barricades opposite the downtown branch of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Megastore in Beirut not only brought improved access for shoppers, but also an announcement that the company foresees expansion in the near future. The major international electronics brand Sony has beat them to the mark, however, with their new 170 square meter Sony World showroom in the ABC Ashrafieh Mall. This showroom comes in addition to the previously established Hamra branch. Ziad Asmar, responsible for Sony at Fattal Holding, the sole distributor of the brand in Lebanon, said that despite the current situation Sony saw growth this year in Lebanon. He suggested that an “expanding line-up of products” has helped the brand stay competitive. He also
