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Highlights
- Dr. Martens enters UAE through a new distribution partnership with Beside Group.
- A second Latin American store opens in Santiago, Chile, following Buenos Aires.
- Partnerships align with the company’s capital-light strategy for global expansion.
Dr. Martens (LSE:DOCS), the British footwear brand recognized worldwide, announced a new distribution partnership with Beside Group in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking its official entry into the country. At the same time, the brand has deepened its presence in Latin America through a partnership with Crosby, which opened a new store in Santiago, Chile this week, following an earlier store launch in Argentina in August.
These partnerships form part of Dr. Martens’ strategy of entering new regions through curated distribution models that require limited capital outlay, while broadening access to new consumer bases. The dual announcements highlight the brand’s focus on expanding into emerging markets in both the Middle East and Latin America.
Beside Group, a long-established partner for international fashion and lifestyle brands in the Middle East, will lead Dr. Martens’ expansion in the UAE. The rollout will begin through wholesale distribution, with mono-branded stores planned for future stages.
In Latin America, Crosby has been selected as the company’s official distributor, covering markets including Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile. The partnership includes both mono-branded retail stores and wholesale channels. In August, Crosby launched the first dedicated Dr. Martens store in Palermo, Buenos Aires, followed this week by a second store opening in Santiago, Chile.
Ije Nwokorie, CEO of Dr. Martens, commented: "These exciting partnerships are consistent with our strategy of entering new growth markets to reach more consumers than ever before through a capital-light approach. We see enormous potential for Dr. Martens in the UAE and Latin America and are delighted to have two partners who really understand both the depth and breadth of our iconic brand."
Brand Heritage
Founded in Northamptonshire, England, Dr. Martens first produced its iconic 1460 boot on April 1, 1960. Originally favored by workers for its durability and air-cushioned sole, the brand soon became associated with musicians and counterculture movements, elevating the footwear from practical utility to a global symbol of individuality and style.
Today, Dr. Martens products are sold in over 60 countries, supported by a workforce of approximately 3,700 employees. While the company maintains its “Made in England” collection from its original Northamptonshire factory, the majority of its global demand is met through high-quality production facilities in Asia.
The company’s expansion into the UAE and Latin America reflects an ongoing commitment to balancing heritage with modern distribution strategies, ensuring the brand remains accessible to diverse markets while maintaining its emphasis on craftsmanship and design.
