Russian cosmetics and perfumery chain Gold Apple has expanded into Saudi Arabia, opening both physical and online stores as part of its ongoing international growth.
The company, headquartered in Yekaterinburg, is the first Russian beauty retailer to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia. It is also among the first multi-brand retailers in the kingdom to launch with an omnichannel format, offering products both in-store and online from the outset.
Saudi Arabia is now the sixth country where Gold Apple operates, and the third in the Middle East. The expansion follows a series of strategic launches in the region. In spring 2024, the retailer opened its first Middle Eastern store in Qatar, located in Doha Festival City, one of the capital’s most popular shopping destinations.
Spanning over 1,300 square meters, the Doha store features more than 600 global brands and 25,000 products, including makeup, skincare, fragrances, Arabic perfumery, home scents, and a wide selection of Korean beauty products. The store also offers luxury labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Maison Margiela, Clinique, and La Roche-Posay, alongside organic and niche lines.
To enhance the in-store experience, Gold Apple introduced amenities such as makeup stations, relaxing zones, VIP shopping rooms, and an on-site coffee bar. The launch was paired with a full-featured e-commerce platform and mobile app offering free next-day delivery across Qatar, a loyalty program with rewards and birthday gifts, and various payment options including cash on delivery.
Later in 2024, Gold Apple launched a pilot online store in the United Arab Emirates and continues to prepare for the opening of a physical store in Dubai.
Outside the Middle East, Gold Apple also operates in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The retailer is known for its broad assortment of beauty and personal care products, covering both mass-market and high-end segments.
According to 2023 financial reports filed by its legal entity, Yekaterinburg Yabloko LLC, the company is owned by Russian entrepreneurs Maxim Panyak and Ivan Kuzovlev. That year, Gold Apple posted a net profit of 3.3 billion rubles, up 18.3% year over year, with revenue rising by 50% to 93.5 billion rubles.
The move into Saudi Arabia is part of a broader trend of Russian retailers seeking new international markets amid changing global trade dynamics. For Gold Apple, the Gulf region presents a growing customer base, strong demand for beauty products, and a favorable environment for omnichannel retail.
