Mihyar
Revolutionising Saudi Arabia’s menswear

Mihyar is the region’s first ready-to-wear traditional menswear brand. Since its creation nine years ago, Mihyar has revolutionised how Saudi Arabian men consider buying their clothing.

In just nine years, the brand has grown from one store in Jeddah to over 40 stores across Saudi Arabia. Today, Mihyar is as recognised in Saudi Arabia as any premium western menswear brand.

Services

Retail audit

Market insights

Brand language revision

Photography rationale

Retail concept

Design development

Online / web store design
Brand guidelines update

Traditions of chivalry and desert warrior spirit

MIHYAR is the embodiment of masculine vitality. He is a true warrior poet. Strong and rugged, yet sophisticated and balanced. He is a protector, father, leader and adventurer. He is proud of his heritage and equally visionary and forward looking.

MIHYAR is for the complete man. Our collection encompasses every fashon and tailoring need of the modern Saudi Arabian man. From ready-to-wear thobes, a range of guthras and shimaks, egals, madas and shoes, mishlahs, underwear, bath and home wear, (religious) wear as well as accessories including sunglasses, cufflinks, watches, leather bags and wallets and of course perfumes and oud essences.

The success and expansion of the business has meant that today the brand provides a far more valuable offering than what is being conveyed through the original branding, retail stores, and online presence. Furthermore, customer expectations that were originally set by Mihyar have also moved as they look for advice and inspiration for more complete seasonal outfitting and wardrobe looks. In order to address these needs and expectations – as well as pushing forward the core purpose of revolutionising the sector – Kamal Osman Jamjoom (the owners of Mihyar) approached Ninth Space to work on refining and refreshing the branding, redesigning the store concept, and developing an international standard online store interface and experience.

Bringing the desert spirit to life through a contemporary retail and brand experience

To begin with, we looked at how store merchandising densities could be increased, yet also be more configurable and modular. The store was purposefully reengineered to accommodate maximum product densities and to be easily adapted and configurated across various store formats.

Next, we explored a signature design language across all store components; store aesthetics that enabled us to implement the merchandising logic, raise the overall image of the brand, position the brand as a contemporary premium Arabian men’s outfitter, and ensure that both digital technology and more traditional cues married together in harmony. In order to accommodate the higher densities of merchandising, we utilised the full wall lengths by extending the wall units to store folded stocks, whilst still allowing for in-store communications touchpoints. The higher shelves are accessed through a ladder system that can roll across multiple units seamlessly. Not only did this create more space for merchandise within the store, but it also created an experiential and engaging element that is both enjoyable to see for customers as it is efficient to use for staff that need to access product sizes quickly – no longer needing to go to the storeroom.

At the back of the store, the cashier desk is a massive digital screen that can be seen from any point in the store. This screen plays a dual role in the high street store formats. The first is to create impact at the back of the store, in which the Mihyar look can be played through video footage – this brings into the store the desert warrior spirit and story. The second role is to complement the mannequins’ outfitting from the window display.

Defining and articulating the pillars of a true retail revolution

Underlying the outward expressions and experience of Mihyar are three founding pillars that are singularly unique to the claim of revolutionising the Saudi Arabian menswear genre. These pillars are Expertise, Design, and Convenience. Each pillar is supported by the business to ensure its integrity and its continuity.