Retail Companies in Kuwait | 5 Largest Retailers in Kuwait

According to BMI Kuwait’s nominal GDP is predicted to be US$159.3bn in 2011, with 2010’s growth rate of 1.9% expected to increase to 3.4% as the economy continues its recovery. Average annual GDP growth of 3.9% is forecasted between 2011 and 2015. With the population estimated to rise from 2.9mn in 2011 to 3.2mn by the end of the forecast period, GDP per capita is predicted to grow 12.6% to US$61,283 by 2015. This development should have positive effect on the retail sector in Kuwait. 

Property consultancy Colliers International expected Kuwait to have the third largest supply of retail space in the Gulf by 2010. The retail should continue to show strong growth mainly in electronics, vehicles, food and luxury products. Retail market in Kuwait is dominated by family owned trading companies. Despite the financial crisis Despite that, in FY 2008 the retail sector maintained a healthy average revenue growth of 17.90% on an annual basis according to Capital Standards.

The retail sector is considered as the second largest sector, in term of size, after the oil sector in the GCC region. The retail companies in Kuwait are listed within the KSE’s service sector. From 59 companies in the service sector, there are 7 listed retail companies with different size and activities.

Top Food Retail Companies in Kuwait

Sultan Center
With retail as its primary focus, TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. The company holds a portfolio of companies mainly involved in wholesale and retail, and represents 40 international franchises in the Middle East. Major shareholders: Sultan Family

Top Pharmaceutical Retail Companies in Kuwait

Safwan
A pharmaceutical retailer was incorporated in 1963 and is a publicly listed company on the KSE. It operates as
a wholesaler & retailer in pharmaceutical, hospital & medical equipment. The major shareholders of the company are Al Mal Investment Company (47.36%) and the Investment Dar company (19.72%).

YIACO
YIACO Medical Company (formerly known as Yousef Ibrahim Alghanim and Company until March 2002), was
established in 1953. With an asset size of KWD 58.19 mn, YIACO is considered among one of the largest health care retailers operating in Kuwait.

Top Consumer Goods Retail Companies in Kuwait

 M.H. Alshaya
Alshaya currently manages over 55 international brands and owns and operates over 2,200 outlets in 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe, employing approximately 28,000 people 
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 5 billion. 

 Al Ghanim Industries
Alghanim Industries is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the Gulf region, predominantly in Kuwait. A multinational company in outlook with operations in 40 countries, Alghanim Industries is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with more than 30 businesses.
Assets: Estimate USD 5-10 billion.

 Al-Sayer Group
The Al-Sayer Group is one of the major trading companies in Kuwait. We maintain a high reputation both in Kuwait and overseas. The Al-Sayer reputation as a leading business has been built up since 1954 when the company was first established to engage in general trading and car imports. Since then the company has been expanding and diversifying. The Group now has a wide range of exciting activities and companies. 

 Behbehani group
One of the major Kuwaiti groups involved in many business ventures and areas.

Sultan Center
With retail as its primary focus, TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. The company holds a portfolio of companies mainly involved in wholesale and retail, and represents 40 international franchises in the Middle East. Major shareholders: Sultan Family

For the full list of companies follow the link.