A key strategic move by Spanish fashion giant Inditex came at a time of growing instability in the Middle East. Despite the outbreak of military conflict between Iran and a US-Israel coalition, the parent company of brands such as Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear and Stradivarius has officially expanded into Iraq. This is the Group’s 98th physical and 215th online store.
The move was announced almost a year ago by CEO Óscar García Maceiras during the presentation of the annual results for 2024. The group planned its debut in Iraq for the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on January 31, 2026. It was originally supposed to take place in October 2024, but it was linked to the opening of the Iraq Mall in Baghdad. This finally opened its doors on February 19th of this year.
“We are optimistic about 2025,” Maceiras said last March, noting that the group “remains ambitious to continue on the path of efficient, profitable and responsible growth.”
Maceiras emphasized that the group’s formula is to “continuously adapt to the needs of our customers and implement a series of highly innovative projects.” At the annual general meeting on July 15, Maceiras confirmed that “all of our brands will open their first stores in Iraq,” highlighting the company’s “enthusiasm” for the expansion.
The first stores of the group brands were opened in the new Iraq Mall in Baghdad
Iraq Mall is located in the Al-Dora district of Baghdad and is owned by businessman Hassan Al-Lami. It is a giant in regional retail. The complex covers 550,000 square meters and houses over 1,000 shops and a 23-story mixed-use tower. According to Iraqi News, the shopping center currently employs 4,000 people. At full capacity, this number is expected to rise to 50,000.
Inditex’s core brands – Zara, Zara Home, Oysho, Massimo Dutti, Lefties and Bershka – began operations there last Friday. The store openings coincided with the launch of their respective e-commerce websites – just hours before the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran.
The expansion was organized by Inditex’s strategic regional partner, Lebanon-based Azadea Group. Azadea is affiliated with the United Arab Emirates-based Daher Group, which took over the group’s Russian business following Inditex’s withdrawal in 2022.
Inditex joins an international list of brands at the new mall that also includes Lacoste, Skechers, Boggi Milano and fellow Spanish retailers Mango and Punt Roma.
“We are proud to announce the grand opening of our stores at Iraq Mall. This marks an exciting new chapter for Azadea Group,” the partner company said on Friday. “This milestone reflects our commitment to growth, innovation and creating exceptional shopping experiences.”
Although Inditex achieved its strategic goal before presenting its annual results on March 11, the success is overshadowed by the sudden escalation of geopolitical conflict in the region.
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