As part of its strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand into global markets, Monoprix opened its first store in Lebanon, located on the Antelias–Rabieh road, in partnership with Gray Mackenzie Retail Group on Wednesday, December 17. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Vincent Baronnet, International Director of Monoprix, Mr. François Sporrer, Head of the Regional Economic Department for the Near East at the French Embassy, along with a group of media representatives and influencers.
This milestone follows the signing of a franchise agreement in 2024 between Gray Mackenzie Retail Group and the renowned French retail chain Monoprix. The brand, which enjoys a strong presence across approximately 85% of French regions and operates in several countries across the Middle East and North Africa, is now making its return to the Lebanese market. This comeback offers Lebanese consumers a renewed opportunity to enjoy a unique shopping experience that combines quality, elegance, and variety, featuring both food and non-food products that reflect Monoprix’s rich French heritage.
On the occasion, Mr. Hassan Ezzedine, President of Gray Mackenzie Retail Group, stated:
“We are delighted to open the first Monoprix store in Lebanon and proud of this partnership, through which we reaffirm our commitment to bringing leading international brands to the Lebanese market and offering consumers a distinctive shopping experience, this time with an authentic French spirit.”
He added:
“Our expansion strategy is built on maintaining Lebanon’s position as a leading market for high-quality products. We hope this step will contribute to revitalizing the retail sector and restoring Lebanon’s rightful place on the global commercial map.”
For his part, Mr. Vincent Baronnet, International Director of Monoprix, commented:
“We are proud of this partnership, which marks an important milestone in our global expansion journey. We are fully confident in Gray Mackenzie Retail Group’s ability to strengthen and grow Monoprix’s presence in Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, Mr. François Sporrer, Head of the Regional Economic Department for the Near East at the French Embassy, noted:
“We are pleased to see Monoprix reopening in Lebanon, a move that highlights the close alignment between Lebanese and French tastes and reflects the depth of economic and trade relations between the two countries.”
The opening of Monoprix in Rabieh represents the first phase of a broader expansion plan aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, revitalizing the retail sector, and meeting the expectations of Lebanese consumers by offering a diverse range of food and non-food products inspired by the French lifestyle long embedded in Lebanon’s consumer culture.