The Deal just got a collection of Tumi bags if anyone is interested. Once items move up to The Deal they’re usually given a further discount so you might be able to find a good deal. They’re located on M1 in Salhiya.

The first Alexander McQueen boutique in Kuwait will be opening this coming Sunday 29th of January at Althuraya Mall. [Link]

The Superdry store in Marina Mall is now open in place of Diesel. I’ve noticed both the Marina Mall and Avenues branches of Superdry are always pretty empty when I pass by. I’m guessing no one knows Superdry in Kuwait…

I was reading an article on Arabian Business the other day about ghost brands which is a term being used for franchises that come to the Gulf and do really well here while end up failing and closing down in their original home country. One of the brands hit by the recession was the UK lingerie chain La Senza. But, I just found out that Alshaya got involved and purchased 60 La Senza stores in the UK and helped save 1,100 jobs. That’s pretty cool. [Link]

I’m a huge fan of BoConcept so I found this news very disappointing. It seems they weren’t doing so well in Kuwait and so they’ve decided to close down their store and leave Kuwait by February. They were my favorite furniture store and it sucks that they’re closing.

Thanks Patrick

According to a reader Go Sport at Avenues are now selling MMA gear. They’re currently carrying two brands which are Venum and Bad boy. Personally, I’m still holding out for a store that carries TapOut and Affliction gear.

Thanks Omar

Is it just me or does KD70,000 for a purse sound a bit on the expensive side?

Hermès sent out invitations to their opening at Al Hamra Tower which will be on the 13th of December. I’m not sure if anyone can attend the opening without an invitation but you could give it a shot if you really want a bag. The invite says the event starts at 7pm and I’m guessing if they will have any Kelly’s or Birkin’s available they’ll probably all be taken that first night.

I passed by the Superdry store in Avenues today and it’s pretty huge. They’re open near phase II where Diesel used to be.

I remember Tommy being open in Marina Mall around 7 years back but they weren’t doing good (I heard) and they shut down. Now it looks like they’re reopening again but this time at 360 Mall. Their new location is right next to Signor Sassi in place of Yo Sushi! and also right next to Mango.

Interestingly the brand doesn’t seem to be owned by Alshaya anymore. When Tommy was previously open in Kuwait Alshaya had the brand but, I just checked out the Alshaya website and there is no sign of Tommy Hilfiger so it looks like it’s opening under new ownership.

Franklin Marshall opened up yesterday (I think) at the Avenues Phase II opposite Paul Smith.

I was also at Marina Mall last night and noticed SuperDry is opening up in place of where Diesel was located.

Finally some sad news, it seems my favorite Japanese restaurant in Kuwait Kei will not be reopening at Marina Crescent and instead Nestle Toll House will be opening in its place. Originally Kei closed down for renovation but they then gave half their shop to Columbus Cafe Caribou Coffe and it seems now they’ve given the other half to Nestle Toll House. They still have their JW Marriott location but I preferred the Marina Crescent branch since it was right next to my house.

Toll House picture by Mohammed

Diesel at Marina Mall is closing down since they’re opening up at 360 Mall so they’ve got a major sale going right now. They’ve got 70% off on some jeans and they also have a large collection of jeans for just KD10. The store is pretty empty right now and they only have women’s jeans left so if you’re interested hurry up.