ATHLEISURE OFFERING

Press Release

• Lifestyle destination is expanding its offerings to meet evolving expectations of young shoppers
• Destination to focus on streetwear category and spaces for active consumers with five health and fitness studios opening in Q3 2023

Dubai, UAE – 8 February 2023: City Walk, the design-inspired lifestyle destination by Merex Investment, is diversifying its lifestyle offerings for the next generation of active and dynamic shoppers with the arrival of athleisure brands lululemon and adidas in Q3 this year.

The new tenant mix at City Walk represents the shift in preferences and desires of young visitors who are looking for holistic brands that resonate with their personality, lifestyle and purpose. The opening of lululemon and adidas at the destination will meet the enormous demand for athleisure products in the UAE.

According to a recent report by GlobalData, the global athleisure market is expected to grow by 25 percent to $551 billion by 2025¹. Sportswear has shifted from being only functional gear for gyms and courts to being the comfortable, casual streetwear choice of young people, as many continue to work from home in some capacity. GlobalData’s report titled ‘Global Sportswear Market 2020-2025’ also revealed that sportwear will continue to grow in popularity, with 55 percent of consumers surveyed saying that they wear these clothes for more than just sports activities¹.

Dubai’s ongoing investment in the health and wellbeing of the community further boosts the sector in the region. In 2022, the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge saw more than 2.2 million Dubai residents come together to get active and enhance their health. Over the six years of the challenge, more brands and retail destinations, including City Walk, have joined to support the initiative and grow the ecosystem.

“The rapid growth of the global athleisure market along with Dubai’s vision to create an active society offers the perfect opportunity for us to expand this segment with youthful and conscious brands like adidas and lululemon at City Walk. The opening of Canadian University Dubai at our destination has also grown our visitor demographic to include young adults, looking for an offering that best represents their active lifestyle. Diversifying our retail mix allows us to provide contemporary offerings to this new generation of shoppers who are driven by purpose” said Shahram Shamsaee, CEO Merex Investment.

lululemon will open with their latest sustainable lines in yoga, train and run apparel on rack for eco-conscious fitness enthusiasts. With a commitment to building a healthier future for all, the store will also bring community activities and unique fitness experiences for visitors at the destination. The adidas space will bring an immersive customer-centric experience for customers through a sustainable offering and technologically enhanced retail experience.

Also joining the hundreds of exclusive shops, restaurants and leisure activities in the open-air destination will be five new health and fitness studios that will address the growing demand for personalised wellness and variety among fitness enthusiasts. In addition to Boost and Pro Athletes Clubhouse, by mid-2023, active health seekers will find more fitness options that include Fitness Zone, Helt Gym, PHY Club, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio.