Jarir Marketing Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s most established retail chains, delivered a strong first-quarter performance for 2026, posting net profit of SAR 253.5 million as rising sales volumes and improved cost discipline drove results that exceeded prior expectations.
Chairman Muhammad Alagil said the company had made a deliberate decision in December 2025 to increase inventory ahead of anticipated supplier price increases, a calculated move that secured sufficient stock during a period of supply chain disruptions and proved directly instrumental to first-quarter sales performance.
Profit Growth and Cost Discipline
According to Alagil, profits grew on the back of higher revenues alongside a relative improvement in cost management, where expenses rose at a slower pace than sales. Advertising expenditure was also reduced, and financing costs declined as a result of the company’s strong cash flow position during the quarter.
The results came as Jarir continued to benefit from healthy consumer spending in the Saudi market, with installment sales remaining robust and the electronics and school supplies categories leading revenue contributions throughout the first three months of the year.
E-Commerce Exceeds 30% of Total Sales
One of the standout developments in Q1 was the continued growth of Jarir’s digital channel. E-commerce sales now account for more than 30% of total revenues, a significant milestone that reflects the broader shift in Saudi retail consumption patterns and validates the company’s sustained investment in its online platform over recent years.
The company indicated it expects to continue growing its digital channel in parallel with its physical store network, as consumer preferences evolve and the distinction between in-store and online retail experiences continues to narrow.
Seven New Stores Planned for 2026
Jarir plans to open seven new stores in total during 2026. Five of these locations are planned across Saudi cities, with Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah earmarked as target destinations, while two additional openings are scheduled for Kuwait. With 59 stores currently operating in Saudi Arabia and more than 60 locations across the Gulf, the company remains on a steady trajectory of regional growth.
Alagil expressed a constructive outlook on the second quarter, noting that consumer spending conditions in the Kingdom remain broadly supportive, even as global supply chains continue to navigate ongoing pressures, a balance that places Jarir in a solid position heading into the rest of the year.
