THE Group (Cozmo, Hamleys, Readers, Cozmo Home, THE Department Store)

What THE Group (Cozmo, Hamleys, Readers, Cozmo Home, THE Department Store) does

THE Group is a privately held Jordanian retail conglomerate headquartered in Amman, founded in 2003. It operates a multi-brand retail portfolio anchored by Cozmo Supermarket, a 4,800 sqm premium hypermarket at the 7th Circle Cozmo Centre, alongside Cozmo Home (kitchenware and home accessories, 2019), THE Department Store (international fashion labels including OVS, Les Copains, Heat Holders), Readers Bookshop, and Hamleys Toy Shop. Distribution spans flagship, neighbourhood (seven Simply Cozmo branches), and luxury boutique (a Cozmo outlet inside The Ritz-Carlton Residences) formats across Amman, with regional Hamleys operations in Cairo (four stores since 2015). The core revenue engine is physical retail sales across these formats, augmented by e-commerce via cozmo.jo (Jordan's first major online grocery platform, launched 2016) and readers.jo, plus an integrated loyalty programme (THE Card) that drives cross-brand spending through differential points and Gold-tier Marriott partnership benefits.

The group's technology footprint is conventional omnichannel retail: branded e-commerce sites, iOS and Android shopping apps (Cozmo app on Google Play and the App Store), secure payments, and nationwide delivery. No proprietary AI/ML systems, APIs, or developer platforms are disclosed. Monetisation combines store-level merchandise margin, concession and supplier economics inside the department-store and Cozmo Home formats (housing Irfan, Abdeen, Samiz, and Whole and All), Hamleys licensing/franchise economics in Jordan and Egypt, and loyalty-anchored repeat-purchase behaviour across the customer base. Differentiated value rests on premium imported selection (European cheeses and cold cuts; US/Australian/South African beef; deSIAM Thai products via an Embassy of Thailand partnership), experiential retail activations, and sustainability infrastructure (LED lighting, biodegradable bags, an operational recycling centre since 2013, and a renewable energy station).

The customer base is mass-market Jordanian and Egyptian consumers (families, gift-givers, fashion- and home-oriented shoppers) plus a narrow luxury residential segment served via the Ritz-Carlton boutique. Leadership is by CEO Imad Bukhari. The portfolio collectively covers food retail, home goods, fashion, books, toys, and loyalty services across physical, online, and mobile channels in two Middle Eastern markets.

Name

THE Group (Cozmo, Hamleys, Readers, Cozmo Home, THE Department Store)

Legal name

THE Group

Website

https://thegroup.jo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

THE Group is a privately held Jordanian retail conglomerate operating five consumer brands — Cozmo Supermarket, Cozmo Home, THE Department Store, Hamleys Toy Shop, and Readers Bookshop — across physical stores in Jordan and Egypt, online platforms (cozmo.jo, readers.jo), and a unified THE Card loyalty programme.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-format Retail (Department Store, Supermarket, Toy, Books, Home Goods)

NAICS

Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers) (44511), Food and Beverage Retailers (445), General Merchandise Retailers (455)

SIC

Retail-Grocery Stores (5411), Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Retail-Family Clothing Stores (5651), Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Line Supermarkets (National/Regional Chains) (CRAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

General Online Grocery (Full-Basket) (CRAHAIAA), Specialty Food Gift Shops & Hampers (CRAHAGAN)

Keywords

• Multi-brand retail
• Premium supermarket
• Toy retail stores
• Fashion department store
• Loyalty programme

Headquarters

HQ city

`amman

HQ country

Jordan

HQ region

Middle East

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Physical Retail Sales: THE Group's primary revenue is generated through sales at its owned retail stores across five brands: Cozmo Supermarket (including Simply Cozmo neighbourhood format), THE Department Store, Hamleys Toy Shop, Readers Bookshop, and Cozmo Home. Stores operate across Jordan (Amman) and regionally in Egypt via Hamleys.
2. Loyalty Programme (THE Card): THE Card is a loyalty programme across all brands. Customers earn 10 points per 1 JOD at Cozmo and 15 points per 1 JOD at all other brands. Points are redeemable for vouchers across all stores. THE Gold Card (at 50,000 points) unlocks premium partner benefits including Marriott Hotels privileges, driving higher spend and retention.
3. E-commerce and Delivery: cozmo.jo (launched 2016) and readers.jo serve as online storefronts with nationwide delivery. Both platforms include mobile apps for iOS and Android, generating revenue from direct online sales.
4. Concession and Supplier Arrangements: THE Department Store features international fashion brands (OVS, Les Copains, CROFF, Pre-End, Dorina, Harmony Homewear, Heat Holders, Piombo) and Cozmo Home showcases retailers (Irfan, Abdeen, Samiz, Whole and All), likely operating on concession or supplier partnership models. The Deli sources imported products from Europe (Italy, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

THE Group operates a diversified multi-format retail portfolio across five brands in Jordan and Egypt. It sells premium groceries (Cozmo Supermarket), home accessories (Cozmo Home), international fashion (THE Department Store), toys (Hamleys), and books and stationery (Readers Bookshop) through physical stores, online platforms (cozmo.jo, readers.jo), and a unified loyalty programme (THE Card). The portfolio serves individual consumers and families with a focus on premium and imported products.

Product overview

THE Group operates a diversified retail portfolio of five core brands across Jordan and the Middle East. The flagship Cozmo Supermarket (2003) is a 4,800 sqm premium hypermarket featuring in-store specialty departments (THE Bakery, THE Butchery, THE Deli, Fresh Produce, Organic & Free From) alongside neighbourhood concepts Simply Cozmo (7 branches) and an online platform (cozmo.jo, 2016). Cozmo Home (2019) complements the grocery offering with home accessories. Readers Bookshop serves book lovers with physical and online (readers.jo) channels. THE Department Store provides fashion retail with international brands. Hamleys Toy Shop is the leading toy retailer in Jordan (3 branches) with regional expansion to Egypt (4 branches). THE Card is a unified loyalty programme spanning all brands, earning differential points and offering Gold tier upgrades with Marriott Hotels privileges. The portfolio collectively covers food retail, home goods, fashion, books, toys, and loyalty services across physical stores, e-commerce, and a dedicated mobile app ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Simply Cozmo: A gourmet supermarket concept launched in 2010, offering premium products with a warm community-centred atmosphere. Currently operates seven branches across Amman.
• cozmo.jo
• Readers.jo
• THE Bakery
• THE Butchery
• THE Deli

Products and services

• Cozmo Supermarket Jordan's leading premium supermarket, spanning 4,800 square metres at the 7th Circle Cozmo Centre. Offers local and imported products across fresh food, grocery staples, specialty items, and household necessities, with in-store departments including THE Bakery, THE Butchery, THE Deli, Fresh Produce, and Organic & Free From sections.
• Simply Cozmo A gourmet neighbourhood supermarket concept launched in 2010. Currently operates seven branches across Amman, offering premium products with a community-focused, warm atmosphere for everyday shopping needs.
• cozmo.jo Online Grocery Platform Jordan's first major online grocery platform, launched in 2016. Offers the same premium quality, freshness, and variety as in-store Cozmo, delivered to customers' doorsteps. Available via web and mobile apps on Android and iOS with nationwide delivery.
• Cozmo at The Ritz-Carlton Residences An exclusive boutique convenience store partnership with Al Eqbal Real Estate Development and Hotels, located within The Ritz-Carlton Residences Amman. Offers a curated selection of everyday essentials with direct purchase or doorstep delivery options and full household shopping coordination.
• Cozmo Home A refined home accessories destination offering kitchen appliances, tableware, and stylish home accessories from retailers including Irfan, Abdeen, Samiz, and Whole and All. Located at the 7th Circle Cozmo Centre.
• Readers Bookshop A bookstore in Jordan offering a carefully selected collection of books and stationery for children, teens, and adults in both Arabic and English. The flagship store is located at the 7th Circle Cozmo Centre.
• Readers.jo Online Bookstore Jordan's leading online bookstore offering a wide range of English and Arabic books, stationery, and educational essentials with easy browsing, secure payments, and nationwide delivery.
• THE Department Store A fashion department store offering international fashion brands including OVS, Les Copains, CROFF, Pre-End, Dorina, Harmony Homewear, and Heat Holders. Located at the 7th Circle Cozmo Centre, providing clothing and homewear for the entire family.
• Hamleys Toy Shop The world's most famous toy shop, operating in Jordan since 2008 with three branches in Amman (7th Circle Cozmo Centre, Abdoun, and Dabouq) and four branches in Egypt (Cairo Festival City Mall, Citystars Mall, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Almaza). Offers toys from more than 200 official international toy brands alongside Hamleys-branded products, making it Jordan's leading toy retailer.
• THE Card Loyalty Programme An exclusive loyalty programme across all THE Group brands. Members earn 10 points per 1 JOD spent at Cozmo and 15 points per 1 JOD at all other brands. Points are redeemable for vouchers at all THE Group stores. Upgrade to THE Gold Card at 50,000 points unlocks premium benefits including Marriott Hotels privileges, healthcare, dining, and lifestyle partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cozmo supermarket spans 4,800 square metres with a full-scale retail offer including fresh food, bakery, butchery, deli, organic section, and specialty imports.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and minor.

• Marriott Hotels in JordanflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMarriott Hotels is a key partner in THE Card loyalty programme. Gold Card holders (50,000+ points) unlock special privileges with Marriott Hotels in Jordan, extending THE Card's value beyond retail into hospitality and travel benefits. This partnership enhances the loyalty proposition and attracts premium card members.
• Khalidi HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKhalidi Hospital is a partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive healthcare benefits and discounts to enrolled members.
• GuinotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGuinot (beauty/wellness brand) is a partner in THE Card loyalty programme, providing exclusive beauty and wellness benefits to members.
• Bertazzoni ElectricalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBertazzoni Electricals is a partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive home appliance benefits to members.
• Al Bashiti HardwareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAl Bashiti Hardware is a partner in THE Card loyalty programme, extending member benefits into home improvement and hardware.
• Live SushiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLive Sushi is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Zen GourmetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerZen Gourmet is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Bun Meats DoughminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBun Meats Dough is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Free the ForkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree the Fork is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Call Me MargheritaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCall Me Margherita is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Death by CrabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDeath by Crab is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman restaurant.
• Daimeh RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDaimeh Restaurant is a dining partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts to members at this Amman establishment.
• Freddy For MusicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreddy For Music is a lifestyle partner in THE Card loyalty programme, extending member benefits to music and entertainment experiences.
• Family TaekwondominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily Taekwondo is a lifestyle partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive benefits for fitness and martial arts activities.
• Washy WashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWashy Wash is a lifestyle/services partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive benefits for laundry and cleaning services.
• TumayrminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTumayr is a lifestyle/services partner in THE Card loyalty programme.
• CurvesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCurves is a lifestyle/fitness partner in THE Card loyalty programme, offering exclusive benefits at Curves gyms in Jordan.
• Al Eqbal Real Estate Development and HotelsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl Eqbal Real Estate Development and Hotels partnered with THE Group to establish a high-end Cozmo boutique convenience store within The Ritz-Carlton Residences Amman. This is an exclusive, tailored retail service for Ritz-Carlton residents — the only Cozmo location serving a luxury residential clientele. Residents receive personalised shopping and doorstep delivery.
• Embassy of Thailand in AmmanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Embassy of Thailand in Amman partnered with Cozmo Supermarket to host the 'Essence of Thailand' — a three-day cultural celebration of Thai cuisine and products. The event featured live cooking at Cozmo Kitchen, authentic tastings, and the exclusive introduction of deSIAM brand Thai products to Cozmo's shelves.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Mumzworld: UAE-based online-first mother, baby and family retailer serving MENA. Comparable as a digital-native regional retailer pursuing category leadership, though narrower than THE Group's omnichannel grocery play.
• Bateel: Saudi-based premium gourmet food retailer with international boutique footprint. Comparable in premium imported/specialty food positioning, though narrower assortment than Cozmo's full supermarket offer.

Direct peers

• Lulu Group International: Hypermarket and supermarket chain with extensive MENA and Egypt footprint; directly comparable as a regional grocery operator competing in the same premium-to-mid-tier basket segments Cozmo targets.
• Jarir Bookstore: Saudi Arabia-headquartered bookstore and stationery chain with regional retail presence; directly comparable to Readers Bookshop in product category and to readers.jo in omnichannel bookselling.
• Alshaya Group: Kuwait-headquartered multi-format retail conglomerate that operates the Hamleys franchise across multiple MENA markets alongside brands such as Mothercare, Victoria's Secret, and H&M. Most directly comparable peer given shared Hamleys master-franchise model and cross-category retail portfolio.
• Azadea Group: Lebanon-based multi-brand retailer operating international fashion and lifestyle brands across MENA, with a presence in toys and home categories through select franchise rights. Comparable multi-brand, multi-country retail model with shared MENA focus.
• Carrefour MENA: Direct grocery competitor across the UAE, Saudi, Egypt and broader MENA through the Majid Al Futtaim franchise, competing in the same premium and family-basket segments Cozmo addresses.

Broad incumbents

• Americana Group: Kuwait-headquartered MENA food retail and quick-service restaurant operator (Hardee's, Krispy Kreme, etc.) with regional food retail presence. Comparable as a diversified MENA consumer/food retail group with regional footprint.
• Landmark Group: UAE-based diversified retail conglomerate (Splash, Babyshop, Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max) operating across apparel, home, and value retail formats. Similar multi-brand, multi-format conglomerate structure though at significantly greater scale.
• Majid Al Futtaim: UAE conglomerate operating the Carrefour franchise across MENA, alongside shopping malls and entertainment. Comparable multi-format retail and loyalty infrastructure (Share) at substantially greater scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 THE Group (Cozmo, Hamleys, Readers, Cozmo Home, THE Department Store)