Retailcorp UAE LLC, the sporting goods retailer based in Dubai, UAE, announced the rebranding of its existing GO Sport stores to American retailer, “Modell's Sporting Goods.”

The rebranding follows a period of expansion for Retailcorp as the Modell's multi-brand sports stores begin rolling out across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). The first store is set to open in the UAE in the third quarter of 2014, and will be the first Modell's Sporting Goods store outside of the US.

Modell's Sporting Goods is America's oldest, family-owned and operated retailer of sporting goods, footwear, active apparel, and fan gear for men, women, and children. Modell's was founded in 1889 in lower Manhattan, New York and under the leadership of four generations of the Modell family has grown into a chain of 155+ locations. Throughout its rich 125 year history, Modell's has remained true to its mission of making sports accessible to the entire family through the finest selection, quality, value, and superior customer service.

Modell's Sporting Goods UAE locations will include Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre and Ibn Battuta Mall, prime sites within the city. Modell's UAE locations will offer a compelling shopping experience consistent with the tradition of one of the pinnacle brands in the sports retailing industry.

“As part of our long-term business strategy, Retailcorp saw great potential in partnering with Modell's to achieve our long term goals for the region. Our stores will shortly be re-branded to Modell's Sporting Goods and with this, we look forward to offering our customers a new exclusive and unique shopping experience, yet to be seen in the Middle East,” commented an unnamed Retailcorp spokesperson in a press release.

Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell's Sporting Goods, added, “We are excited to launch the international expansion of our brand in the UAE. Retailcorp was an ideal partner given its standing as a regional and global retail hub. We anticipate a long and successful partnership in establishing Modell's Sporting Goods as a global retailer.”

Retailcorp is part of Istithmar World, a Dubai World company, and currently operates world-class mono-brand and multi-brand outlets.