Interviewing Shanith Mangalat, Chairman, Ruky Perfumes

Ruky Perfumes (website) is one of the largest perfume retailers in the Arabian Gulf , providing Arabian perfumes, scents and aromatic oils in the Arab market. Established in 2015, the company is a key player in the perfume and fragrance sector in the Gulf Region.

Dr Shanith Mangalat established Ruky perfumes when his passion for the alchemy of natural oils and perfumery led him to open a perfume factory and perfume shop in Dubai, UAE.

Ruky perfumes has now 20 outlets across and plans to open 200 outlets across Middle east by 2025.

We hope you will enjoy our interview with Dr. Shanith Mangalat.

1. How did you enter the franchise business?

Having created and operated successful perfume stores in the GCC Countries, We have been approached a number of times by investors and entrepreneurs wanting to open their own perfumes business and benefit from a proven business model with the resources and experience to provide support across all aspects.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

The team at Ruky Perfumes have owned and operated the most successful fragrance stores across GCC for the past 5 years, with experience that spans the Arab world. Our knowledge and expertise in the industry enabled us to create concepts that we can confidently claim occupy the largest growth segments of the fitness industry.

3. What inspired the brand name Ruky perfumes ?

Ruky was named after my mothers Arabic name ‘Rukiya’ meaning “feeling of great pleasure” which then was named after her blessings.

4. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

Ruky Perfumes offers individuals the opportunity to own and operate a successful business in one of the top five industries in the world. The company’s products are of an extremely high standard and have been commended by industry experts.

Ruky Perfumes has a product line of 1000 different types and has a long shelf life, with products becoming long-term assets for the business. A substantial amount of accumulated knowledge of business management and administration, plus sales and marketing knowledge, are on offer to investors, in addition to the values, principles and corporate policies of Ruky perfumes.

As well as an extensive range of retail perfumes, Ruky perfumes has created unique blends for various celebrities, meaning its status is considered as being high within its market.

5. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

Trust – recognizing the benefits of creating a business with a team of experienced professionals.
Financial Resources – and business acumen that will support the success of the location
Entrepreneurs – a spirit to develop your own, thriving business model and those looking to diversify their existing portfolios.

Ruky Perfumes Store

6. How long does it take, in an average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

Both brands typically achieve breakeven at opening (given a successfully pre-opening campaign) and offer an ROI in a two – two and a half year period.

7. What was the major challenge for fragrance market?

Launching Perfumes as an industry in emerging markets is always a challenge. The health and beauty industry is often described as recession-proof, as people are always keen to spend money on products and services that make them feel better. Perfumes business is a safer and more profitable business. The strong performance of products within the personal care and wellness industry is a significant driving factor pushing growth in the fragrance sector.

8. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

Securing deals through the most challenging period of the global pandemic. The achievement underpinned the quality and value of our propositions.

9. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

Our Next 5 years by (2025) will focus on growth across Middle east and European markets and we look forward for expand to 25 countries with 200 outlets.

10. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

It takes time to build a solid business that can be scaled successfully. If you have aspirations to franchise in the future, start your business as you mean to go on – understand the structure you will need to establish as you grow and ensure you have the right resources to make it happen.

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