Baraka Group

What Baraka Group does

Baraka Group is an Egyptian family-controlled multi-brand retail holding company founded in 1979 by Mohamed Fathy Ragab as a wholesale optics business and now led by his son Ahmed Ragab as Group CEO and Chairman. The group operates across three divisions — Optics, Fashion, and E-Commerce — with 60+ physical stores anchored in Egypt's premium shopping destinations (Mall of Egypt, Mall of Arabia, City Stars, Cairo Festival City) and selective expansion into the GCC and North Africa. The Optics division includes the flagship Baraka Optics chain (premium luxury eyewear since 1984, 18 stores), C&Co (13 youth-fashion stores), JOOJ (private-label affordable, since 2019), and People; the Fashion division carries exclusive and JV-operated brands including New Balance, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot, Mellow, and 34 by Amr Diab; and the E-Commerce division operates the Swish multi-brand platform launched in June 2021. The business model combines direct-to-consumer retail with exclusive brand distribution rights (notably Nike in Egypt and Kenya, Springfield and Cortefiel in Egypt, plus Armani sub-brands via shareholder relationships) and joint-venture partnerships, most notably with Apparel Group UAE since 2016.

Revenue is generated through unit-priced retail sales of eyewear, apparel, footwear, cosmetics, and accessories, supplemented by brand-licensing royalties and exclusive agency economics. The Swish e-commerce platform and B84 multi-brand concept store represent the group's omnichannel consolidation play, while corporate finance and logistics are run from Dubai (DIFC and DMCC). The group is currently at a strategic inflection: in May 2026, Magrabi Retail (Middle East's largest eyewear retailer) announced an agreement to acquire a 51% majority stake in Baraka Optics Group, subject to Egyptian Competition Authority approval, following Magrabi's acquisitions of Rivoli Vision (2024) and Kefan Optics (2025).

Name

Baraka Group

Legal name

Baraka Group

Website

https://baraka-group.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Baraka Group is an Egyptian family-controlled multi-brand retail holding company operating 60+ stores across optics, fashion, and e-commerce, holding exclusive distribution rights for Nike (Egypt and Kenya) and JVs with Apparel Group UAE for brands like New Balance, BHPC, and Inglot.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-Brand Retail (Optical and Fashion)

NAICS

Optical Goods Retailers (45613), Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (45811), Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers (458)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury & Designer Eyewear (CRAAAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Luxury Eyewear (Sunglasses & Optical) (CRAKAFAG), Sunglasses & Luxury Eyewear (CRAKAEAE), Luxury Department/Flagship & Multi-brand Boutiques (Jewelry/Watches) (CRAKAGAF)

Keywords

• Optical retail
• Fashion retail
• Designer eyewear
• Multi-brand retail
• E-commerce platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Cairo

HQ country

Egypt

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Optical Retail: Retail sales of eyewear, prescription glasses, sunglasses, and optical products through Baraka Optics, C&Co, and JOOJ stores. Revenue generated from direct consumer purchases of optical products including designer frames and lenses.
2. Fashion Retail: Sales of fashion apparel and accessories through New Balance, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot, and Mellow stores. Revenue from footwear, clothing, cosmetics, and fashion accessories.
3. E-commerce Sales: Online sales through Swish platform featuring all Baraka Group brands, exclusive drops, and partner products. Revenue from direct online consumer transactions.
4. Brand Partnerships and Licensing: Joint ventures and licensing arrangements with international brands including Apparel Group UAE for brands like Inglot, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Naturalizer. Also exclusive agency partnerships for Nike and other brands.
5. Co-branded Products: Manufacture and marketing of co-branded products such as 34 by Amr Diab brand including clothing, sunglasses, medical products, accessories, and leather products under partnership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Baraka Group operates a diversified multi-brand retail portfolio across three divisions: Optics, Fashion, and E-Commerce. It retails premium designer eyewear (Baraka Optics, C&Co, JOOJ, People), international fashion brands (New Balance, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot, Mellow, 34 by Amr Diab), and lifestyle products through 60+ company-owned stores in Egypt and the GCC, complemented by the proprietary Swish e-commerce platform.

Product overview

Baraka Group operates a diversified retail portfolio organized into three main divisions: Optics, Fashion, and E-Commerce. The Optics division includes flagship brands Baraka Optics (premium luxury eyewear since 1984), C&Co (young fashion-focused chain since 2003), JOOJ (affordable private label since 2019), and People. The Fashion division features licensed international brands including New Balance (exclusive Egypt operator since 2018), Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot cosmetics, Mellow fast fashion, and the celebrity brand 34 by Amr Diab. The E-Commerce division operates the Swish online platform launched in 2021. Additionally, B84 is an all-inclusive concept store combining multiple brands under one roof. The group also partners with lens manufacturers Zeiss, Hoya, and Omega Optix for its optical business.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Baraka Optics: Premium optical retail chain offering designer eyewear including Chanel, Bvlgari, Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Ray-ban, and other luxury brands since 1984. Operates 18 stores across Egypt.
• C&Co
• JOOJ
• People
• Swish
• Mellow
• 34 by Amr Diab
• B84
• Madar

Products and services

• Baraka Optics Premium optical retail chain offering designer eyewear and fashionable frames. The flagship brand of Baraka Group, launched in 1984, retailing luxury brands including Chanel, Bvlgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Boucheron, YSL, Balenciaga, Carrera, and Ray-Ban across 18 stores in Egypt.
• C&Co Young fashion-focused optical retail chain targeting fashionistas with futuristic themed stores and a digital virtual experience. Launched in 2003 with 13 stores across Egypt.
• JOOJ Private label optical retail brand offering the latest eyewear trends at affordable pricing within a colorful and hippy store experience. Launched in 2019.
• People Eyewear brand operating multiple stores across Egypt including locations at 5A, Arkan, CFC, Marassi, and Almaza Bay North Coast.
• New Balance Exclusive operator of New Balance footwear and apparel retail stores in Egypt since 2018, with stores at Cairo Festival City, City Center Almaza, City Stars, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Arabia, City Center Alexandria, and Dandy Mall.
• Beverly Hills Polo Club Fashion brand operated through joint venture with Apparel Group UAE since November 2016, offering apparel and accessories across 4 stores in Egypt.
• Mellow Fast fashion brand from Morocco (operated regionally as Marwa) debuted in Egypt in 2020, featuring designs from Barcelona, Paris, and Casablanca with 30 new items launched daily.
• Inglot World-leading cosmetics and makeup brand with over 600 locations in 80 countries. Baraka Group operates Inglot stores in Egypt, with the first store opened at City Stars Mall in 2017.
• B84 Concept Store All-inclusive concept store at Downtown Mall, New Cairo, housing multiple Baraka Group brands under one roof including C&Co eyewear, Beverly Hills Polo Club fashion, Herschel bags, MDR furniture, Inglot makeup, and multi-brand footwear.
• 34 by Amr Diab Celebrity lifestyle brand partnership launched in partnership with Egyptian music legend Amr Diab, featuring over 100 products including clothing, sunglasses, medical eyewear, accessories, and leather products.
• Swish E-commerce Platform Online shopping platform launched in June 2021 connecting retail and customers. Features all Baraka Group brands including Baraka Optics, C&CO Optics, JOOJ, People, New Balance, Mellow, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot, and exclusive drops. Available on iOS and Android via dedicated mobile apps.
• Madar Furniture division of Baraka Group, including the first Fendi Casa store, operating since 1996.
• Karen Wazen Eyewear Eyewear brand launched exclusively with Baraka Retail Group in Egypt in March 2021. Collection includes Retro XLs, Glamorous cat-eye, and Harper rectangular styles.

Quantifiable outcome

• Leading optical retailer in Egyptian market with 40+ doors under multiple trademarks
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Magrabi RetailcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Magrabi Retail (Middle East's largest eyewear retailer) signed agreement to acquire 51% majority stake in Baraka Optics Group, subject to Egyptian Competition Authority approval. Part of Magrabi's regional M&A strategy following acquisitions of Rivoli Group's vision division (2024) and Kefan Optics (2025). Deal aims to capitalize on Egypt's improving macroeconomic conditions including 5.3% real GDP growth.
• Apparel Group UAEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint ventures with Apparel Group UAE since November 2016 to operate brands including Inglot, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Naturalizer, New Balance, and Athlete's Co across Egypt.
• Karen Wazen EyewearflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLaunched in Egypt starting March 2021 as exclusive partner. Karen Wazen Eyewear collection features Retro XLs, Glamorous cat-eye, and Harper rectangular styles.
• Amr Diab / Brand 34flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Egyptian international star Amr Diab to manufacture and market products bearing his trademark 34. Includes 100+ products including clothing, sunglasses, medical products, accessories, and leather products. Fabrics imported from northern Italy.
• Mellow / MarwacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMellow (operated regionally as Marwa) debuted in Egypt through Baraka Retail Group at Mall of Egypt in January 2020. Fast fashion Moroccan brand with 80+ stores across Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai. Design offices in Barcelona, Paris and Casablanca launching 30 new items daily.
• InglotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaraka Retail Group introduced Inglot's first store in Egypt at City Stars Mall in July 2017. Global cosmetics brand with 600+ locations in 80 countries. Plans for additional stores in Mall of Egypt and Mall of Arabia.
• Swish Platform PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners on Swish e-commerce platform including Camicie, Yawza, The Bath Land, Noje, Pia, Norshek, Shopthezs, Spaceout, Shopnaz for exclusive drops and products.
• NikecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive agent for Nike in Egypt and Kenya through Allied Trading and Consultancy.
• Springfield and CortefielcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive agent for Springfield and Cortefiel in Egypt through Allied Trading and Consultancy.
• Armani Group (Jeans, Emporio, Exchange)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShareholder relationship for Armani Jeans (since 2014), Emporio Armani (since 2015), Armani Exchange (since 2016).
• Luxottica EgyptcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Italian eyewear manufacturer Luxottica. Recognized as Most Valued Business Partner in 2014 and distributes brands including Ray-Ban stand-alone stores.
• Bishara GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture to launch fashion line called Tiyi.
• Group FourflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Group Four for Amr Diab 34 brand manufacturing and marketing.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rivoli Group: UAE-based luxury watches, eyewear and accessories retailer operating mono-brand boutiques and multi-brand stores across the GCC. Comparable to Baraka's premium optical and fashion model; its vision division was acquired by Magrabi in 2024, making it an even closer regional consolidation peer.
• Magrabi Retail: Middle East's largest eyewear and optical retail chain with stores across GCC, Egypt and Turkey. Most directly comparable to Baraka Optics — same premium optical category, same supplier base (Luxottica), overlapping customer base in Egypt, and now announced to acquire a 51% stake in Baraka Optics Group.
• Al Jaber Optical: Leading optical retail chain in the GCC (Qatar, UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman) with 80+ stores offering designer frames, prescription lenses and eye care. Directly comparable optical retail footprint and product mix to Baraka Optics across premium and mid-tier brands.
• Apparel Group UAE: Global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate operating 1,800+ stores across 14+ countries with brand rights for Beverly Hills Polo Club, Inglot, New Balance, Tommy Hilfiger and others. Comparable to Baraka's Fashion division through joint venture and overlapping brand portfolio in MENA.

Regional players

• Al Tayer Group: UAE-based conglomerate with luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle retail across GCC (Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale's, Zara, Ounass). Comparable premium and luxury retail platform operating in the same shopping malls as Baraka's premium optical stores.
• Landmark Group: Dubai-based multi-format retail conglomerate (Splash, Max, Centrepoint, etc.) operating 2,200+ stores across MENA, India and Africa. Comparable regional fashion and lifestyle retail platform; broader portfolio but similar customer base and shopping-mall footprint.
• Alhokair Fashion Retail: Saudi-listed fashion retail operator with mono-brand and multi-brand stores across MENA, holding licenses for international brands (Mango, Zara, etc.). Comparable multi-brand fashion retail model and regional mall-anchored strategy to Baraka's fashion division.
• Yateem Optician: Bahrain-headquartered optical and lifestyle retailer with stores across GCC. Comparable as a regional premium optical peer with similar luxury brand partnerships; smaller scale than Baraka but overlapping customer demographic.

Broad incumbents

• GrandVision (EssilorLuxottica): Global optical retail platform (now under EssilorLuxottica) with thousands of stores across Europe, Latin America and Asia. Relevant broad incumbent comparable — Baraka Optics operates within EssilorLuxottica's brand ecosystem and competes with multinational optical retail operating models at smaller scale.

Others

• Mazzika / MTC (Egyptian fashion retail): Egyptian apparel and fashion manufacturer/retailer with multi-brand presence. Comparable as a domestic Egyptian fashion retail operator in the same mall ecosystem, though operating more in mid-market apparel rather than Baraka's licensed premium brands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/baraka-retail-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/barakaretailgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Baraka Group