Beirut Souks sees major revival with dozens of new openings and exclusive brands set to open
Downtown Beirut’s commercial heart is showing signs of a significant revival as Beirut Souks welcomes back shoppers, tourists, and residents. Sixty-three retail stores are already open for business, from a variety of sectors including fashion and lifestyle brands to restaurants and cafes.
The area’s cinemas and supermarkets are also operating, contributing to a renewed sense of vibrancy in the city center.
As part of efforts to enhance the entertainment experience in the Souks, a new venue called Chill Lounge has recently opened. This unique space, one of its kind in Lebanon caters specifically to teenagers between the ages of twelve and seventeen, offering a comfortable and safe environment where young people can spend their time and socialize.
The Souks are poised for even more expansion in the coming months with fifty-one additional retail outlets set to open progressively.
These openings will introduce a number of major international brands to the Lebanese market, many of which are setting up shop in Beirut Souks for the first time.
Among the most anticipated new arrivals this March are Alo Yoga, L’Occitane, Mango, Massimo Dutti, The Giving Movement, Bershka, and Stradivarius, which will be opening along Gemmayzeh Street and Tripoli Street inside the Souks.
In addition to fashion, several well-known dining destinations, such as OBI, Crepaway, and Beit Sara will open along Patriarch Hoayek Street, further diversifying the area’s culinary offerings.
For younger visitors, Poptastic, a new entertainment center designed for children under twelve, is also set to open, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
Sabine Addarian, retail entrepreneurship expert and advisor explained to NOW: “Despite the absence of effective governance, Lebanon’s private sector has banded together to weather a series of unprecedented crises, beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the Beirut port explosion, and the ongoing economic crisis”
She highlighted that the initiative to revive Beirut Souks is a clear example of the resilience and potential found in Lebanon.
This comeback has already translated into an eighty percent occupancy rate in the Beirut Souks’ commercial spaces. Sabine argues that this is an indicator of renewed confidence and hope in Lebanon’s economic revival, driven largely by private enterprise.
By the time these additions are complete, Beirut Souks will have reopened 90 per cent of its commercial spaces.
Beirut Souks has successfully attracted a number of high-profile international names that are launching in Lebanon exclusively through the Souks. Among them are ALO Yoga, The Giving Movement, Zara Café, Eataly.
Additionally, luxury luggage brand TUMI has chosen Beirut Souks as the exclusive location for its return to Lebanon.
Likewise, iconic watchmaker Rolex will soon unveil its revamped boutique exclusively within the Souks, promising a unique customer experience.
Revival post challenges
After the Beirut blast in August 2020, Beirut Souks suffered extensive damage. The explosion shattered storefronts, destroyed infrastructure, and left businesses struggling to recover.
“The souks is now regaining its image and reclaiming its place as a shopping and lifestyle destination as we were used to it being,” Caren Haddad, a personal stylist and shopping expert explained to NOW.
According to Caren, the new brands opening their doors are bringing new energy to the Souks by attracting locals and tourists.
“Revitalization efforts, coupled with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, have breathed new life into this historic commercial center, proving that Beirut’s resilience continues to shine,” said Caren.
History of the Souks
Beirut Souks is one of the most significant commercial districts in Lebanon, blending history, modernity, and luxury.
The area has served as a marketplace for centuries, dating back to the Phoenician and Roman eras. However, the souks as they exist today were redesigned and rebuilt as part of Beirut’s post-civil war reconstruction by Solidere, the company founded by former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The redevelopment, led by renowned architect Rafael Moneo, aimed to restore the souks’ historic essence while integrating contemporary retail and entertainment spaces. The new Beirut Souks officially opened in 2009, featuring a mix of international and local brands, restaurants, cinemas, and public spaces.
In recent years, Beirut Souks faced multiple setbacks that led to its decline and temporary closures. The economic crisis that began in 2019, coupled with the Lebanese currency collapse, significantly affected businesses, forcing many retailers to shut down.
The devastating Beirut Port explosion in August 2020 also inflicted severe damage on the souks.
As Lebanon struggled with political instability, economic hardship, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial hub remained largely inactive.
A Beiruti in her 20s expressed her excitement to see the return of Beirut Souks in the heart of the city. Joelle, a freelance makeup artist told NOW: “For years, we’ve witnessed destruction, crisis, and uncertainty, but now, with new brands opening and people returning, it’s like the city is slowly breathing again.”
It is expected that the new brands, restaurants, and entertainment venues to have generated employment opportunities for a wide range of professionals, from retail workers and hospitality staff to marketing specialists and local artisans.
The increased foot traffic also benefits small businesses and service providers in the surrounding area.
According to Sabine, the revival of this commercial space can attract investors and entrepreneurs, encouraging further business development in Beirut which is linked to a much-needed boost, offering young people job opportunities and a chance to contribute to the country’s recovery.
Rodayna Raydan is a Lebanese-British journalist. You can follow her on Twitter @Rodayna_462
The views in this story reflect those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of NOW.
