GMG, a leading retailer and distributor of renowned international sports brands such as Nike, Vans, Timberland, The North Face, Columbia and Sun & Sand Sports (SSS) across Southeast Asia (SEA) and Hong Kong, has solidified its position as a key player in Asia with significant milestones achieved throughout 2024.

Since starting operations in March 2021, GMG now operates over 200 stores in SEA alone, contributing to its ambitious goal of 400 stores within the next five years. These achievements reflect GMG’s dedication to delivering exceptional retail experiences and fostering strong community connections.

GMG marked a key milestone in 2024 with the grand opening of Nike Orchard Road, a three-level, 28,000-square-foot flagship store in Singapore. This store, the largest Nike mono-brand store in Asia outside China, offers exclusive digital and online-to-offline (O2O) services, elevating customer engagement to new heights. The store’s success was recognised at the Retail Asia Awards 2024, where GMG received the titles of Brand Store of the Year and Store Retail Initiative of the Year for Singapore.

Another significant milestone was the launch of the first Sun & Sand Sports store, GMG's homegrown brand, at Mid Valley Megamall, in Malaysia, which solidified the company's presence in Southeast Asia. The company continued its expansion by opening an additional three stores in the country.

The company also announced the expanded presence of VF's brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®, in the region through a growing network of new mono-brand partner stores across the Southeast Asia (SEA) and Hong Kong markets, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA).

Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said: “Our journey in SEA has been transformative. Reaching a portfolio of over 200 stores in such a short time demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence. We are especially proud of our efforts to engage local communities and promote active lifestyles. Southeast Asia remains a vital pillar of our global strategy, and we are eager for the opportunities ahead.”

To meet customer expectations and create memorable shopping experiences, GMG participated in Malaysia’s 11.11 Mega Event by providing seamless and engaging interactions on popular platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Vans® and Timberland® emerged as top-performing brands, securing their places among the top five most preferred brands on Shopee.

Alongside its retail growth, GMG continued to prioritise meaningful connections with local communities across SEA. The company has partnered with organisations like Yayasan Chow Kit and the Malaysia Breast Cancer Welfare Association, sponsoring sports equipments, food and other merchandises. 

As part of its GMG Cares agenda, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, GMG participated in renowned events that supports good causes such as environmental conservation and cancer research Moreover, the company implemented initiatives such as physical and mental health workshops, fitness programmes, and a women-focused support group to prioritise employee well-being. 

GMG’s foray into Asia began with the acquisition of Royal Sporting House in late 2020, followed by Nike-only stores from SUTL Corporation in Singapore and Malaysia in April 2022. In May 2023, GMG brought its flagship concept, SSS, to SEA with its first store in Singapore, with plans to open 11 more stores across SEA by 2026 and establish a robust regional presence. These foundational steps laid the groundwork for GMG’s strategic focus on retail innovation and regional growth.

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