Monoprix is back via
franchise to Spinneys owner

First store to open in Hamra this year

French retail chain Monoprix will return to the local market through a franchise agreement signed with Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon (GMRL), owner of the Spinneys supermarket chain.

Under the agreement, GMRL will manage and expand the local operations of Monoprix by opening new stores.

Hassan Ezzeldine, Executive Chairman of GMRL, said the first Monoprix store is scheduled to open in Hamra in September this year.

“We plan to open a store each year, up to a total of six to seven outlets in different parts of the country in areas that are suitable for the Monoprix brands such as Ashrafieh, Jnah, Saida, Zalka, Jounieh, Mansourieh or any other appropriate location,” Ezzeldine said. He said that they also plan to open four Spinneys stores this year which will bring the total Spinneys network to 20 stores.

According to Ezzeldine, each Monoprix store will provide 30 to 40 job opportunities depending on its size.

The new partnership is part of GMRL’s expansion strategy and commitment to attract major international brands and a wide variety of high-quality products which would help the local market keep pace with advances in the global retail sector, Ezzeldine said. The Monoprix stores will distribute various French products including foodstuff, household appliances, perfumes, and gift articles.

Previous franchisees of Monoprix on the local market included retail operator ADMIC run by Lebanese businessman Michel Abchee and Kuwait-based The Sultan Centre (TSC).