Popular American homeware retailers Pottery Barn and West Elm are set to close their remaining stores in the UAE, with final operating days scheduled for December in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The closures follow “farewell” messages sent to customers and are accompanied by significant clearance sales.
Final Operating Dates Confirmed
A call centre executive has confirmed the timeline for the final shutdowns. The West Elm and Pottery Barn branch at Dubai Hills Mall will cease operations on 8 December. Following this, the locations in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall and Al Maryah Island will close their doors permanently on 25 December. Shoppers visiting these malls can find information on services like the barrierless, ticketless parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to plan their final visits.
These closures are part of a wider regional withdrawal for the brands’ parent company, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Earlier this year, the West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Pottery Barn Kids stores in The Dubai Mall closed in July, and the company also ended its operations in Bahrain in March.
Farewell Messages and Clearance Sales
Customers were notified of the impending closures through direct messages. West Elm’s communication expressed gratitude for customer loyalty over the years. “With a heavy heart, we announce the closing of our West Elm store at Dubai Hills Mall,” the message stated. “From modern furniture to inspiring designs that transformed your homes, it’s been an incredible journey. Thank you for making us a part of your lives.” Pottery Barn sent similar notices to its patrons.
To clear remaining stock before the final dates, the stores are holding sales with discounts of up to 80 percent on all items. This strategy mirrors the one used before the closure of The Dubai Mall branch earlier in the year.
Regional Operations and Unstated Reasons
While the brands have announced their departure, an official reason for the closures has not been provided. In the Middle East, all three Williams-Sonoma brands are operated by the Alshaya Group, a major retail franchisee that manages a large portfolio of global brands across the region. The decision comes at a time when the business environment sees both entries and exits, as highlighted by news that JPMorgan expands in Dubai as Middle East competition heats up.
The exit of these well-known American household names marks a notable shift in the UAE’s competitive retail market. It reflects the ongoing changes and strategic realignments happening within the regional franchise and retail sectors.
