Pierre Marcolini opens first Middle East flagship store in Dubai Mall

28-Feb-2019 - Last updated on 28-Feb-2019 at 15:12 GMT

Pierre Marcolini's first Middle Eastern flagship store, which features a living wall and an ice cream counter, opened in January. / Photo: Pierre Marcolini

Add another flagship store to Pierre Marcolini’s 40-plus portfolio: the Brussels-based chocolatier opened a brand new shop on the ground floor of the world’s biggest mall, in Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates store is the brand’s first flagship in the Middle East.

In addition to an exclusive pyramid-shaped, multi-drawer gift box, the store features the brand’s signature collection of Grands Crus tablets, hearts, pralines, dates and macarons. Recently added to the portfolio, the store also carries sugar-free tablets and pastries.

Designed by French architect Paulin d’Hoop, whose work includes Le Camondo and Hotel Montecristo in Paris, the Dubai Mall store boasts a large central bar for customers to relax, sample chocolates or take in a masterclass, according to the company.

A ‘craft’ ice-cream counter lets customers enjoy a chilled treat, too.

Pierre Marcolini flagship store in Dubai / Photo: Pierre Marcolini

Though sleek, the space also features hand-cut tiles in the zelige style, best known in Moroccan architecture and prized for their unique imperfections. A living wall, visible from the outside of store, is a nod to cacao fields where Pierre Marcolini sources raw material.

The chocolatier works with independent producers in Brazil, Ecuador, Cuba, Ghana, Madagascar and Vietnam.