Karen Wazen Opens First Boutiques in Egypt

Lebanese-born entrepreneur Karen Wazen has opened her first boutiques in Egypt, marking a significant step in her brand's retail expansion. Wazen arrived in Cairo on November 8 for a three-day program marking the openings. The first boutique opened at 5A by The Waterway, with a second location at Arkan Plaza set to follow on November 9. This move is part of a wider expansion strategy between Wazen and Baraka Group.

Wazen's brand has been available in Egypt since 2021 through its partnership with Baraka Group. The brand has seen significant growth, with physical retail accounting for 85 percent of its sales in November 2025. Wazen's interest in eyewear led her to establish Karen Wazen Eyewear in 2018. Her personal experience with sunglasses growing up inspired the brand's early direction. The brand has since expanded its collections to include optical frames, jewellery, belts, and other accessories.

Egypt has become an important market for Wazen's brand, with over 12,500 pairs of sunglasses sold locally since 2021. The new boutiques will give Egyptian customers access to the brand's wider collections, including sunglasses, optical frames, and accessories. New releases in Egypt will also follow its international and online launches, keeping the local offering aligned with its global collections.

Wazen's journey in the fashion and lifestyle space began through social media and her blog, Karen's Choice, which she launched in 2016. Born in Beirut, the 40-year-old entrepreneur first built her presence online before establishing her eyewear brand. The brand's growth has extended beyond online retail, with a growing network of stores contributing to its success.

The partnership between Wazen and Baraka Group aims to establish between 15 and 16 branded stores across Egypt over four years. This expansion strategy highlights the brand's commitment to the Egyptian market. The new boutiques are a significant step in achieving this goal, providing customers with a wider range of products and a unique retail experience.

Wazen's brand has evolved significantly since its inception, from a focus on sunglasses to a broader range of products. The brand's success can be attributed to its growing network of stores and its online presence. With its expansion into Egypt, Wazen's brand is poised for further growth and success in the region.

The opening of Wazen's boutiques in Egypt marks a new chapter in the brand's history. With its commitment to providing customers with a unique retail experience and its focus on expanding its presence in the Egyptian market, Wazen's brand is set to continue its growth and success. The brand's partnership with Baraka Group has been instrumental in achieving this goal, and its expansion strategy is expected to yield positive results in the coming years.

Key points

• Karen Wazen's brand aims to establish between 15 and 16 branded stores across Egypt over four years.