In 2014, GMRL launched a discount store concept, broadening its retail offerings to cater to budget-conscious consumers. This move was part of a strategic growth plan that emphasized accessibility and customer satisfaction. Continuing on this path, GMRL enhanced its footprint in 2018 by acquiring convenience stores, further solidifying its presence in the market.
The year 2019 marked a significant turning point for GMRL with the introduction of new divisions: Mackenzie Distribution, Mackenzie F&B, and Mackenzie Production. Mackenzie Distribution (MD) became the backbone of GMRL’s supply chain, providing a wide range of fresh, chilled, and frozen products to a network of Horeca channels and retail partners. This strategic initiative ensured that GMRL could meet the diverse needs of its clients while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
Mackenzie F&B has also played a crucial role in expanding GMRL's footprint in the food and beverage sector. This division introduced popular franchises and developed local F&B concepts, creating a unique blend of international and homegrown culinary experiences. By partnering with well-known brands and nurturing local talent, Mackenzie F&B has significantly enriched the dining landscape, offering customers exceptional options and fostering a vibrant food culture within Lebanon.
Today, GMRL stands as the largest operator of hypermarkets and supermarkets in Lebanon, backed by a robust and diverse portfolio across retail and food service. The company remains committed to delivering outstanding shopping experiences and continuously seeks regional and global expansion, driven by its focus on quality, value, and community engagement.
GMRL's Expanding Retail Presence
The group currently operates the biggest network of hypermarkets and supermarkets in Lebanon, including Spinneys, Happy Discount Store, Grab’n Go and Signature by Spinneys, with a potential expansion plan all over the region and the world starting with Syria, Iraq and Africa
With 16 branches in Lebanon, Spinneys will enter the Syrian market in the near future. Moreover, having established 15 Happy Discount Store branches in Lebanon.
As for the Signature concept, GMRL’s strategic plans envision extending its presence throughout the Levant market starting with Iraq in 2023 followed by the African countries.
People & Planet
GMRL Group is dedicated to making responsible, sustainable choices that positively impact society, the environment, and the economy, contributing to a better future for all.
Gray Mackenzie embraces diversity and encourages an inclusive and stimulating environment in which employees are empowered with the authority and means to contribute, working towards the goal of delivering the best in the retail business.
Creativity, critical thinking, passion and teamwork drive GMRL’s people to remain active participants in the success of the business and the development of their career paths with GMRL Retail Academy.
Additionally, the group empowers the potential of people with special needs and encourage their recruitment and integration with the society and its teams across the stores.
GMRL recognizes the importance of the contribution that both companies and people make towards achieving sustainable development, and therefore, embeds sustainability into the core of its business models, with constant green initiatives implemented by all the brands it operates.
Global statistics on sustainability show that only about 9% of all plastic ever made has likely been recycled, 12% of all plastic waste has been incinerated, and the remaining 79% has either accumulated in landfill or the natural environment if not still in use.
As part of its sustainability mission, GMRL strongly believes that a more environmentally conscious lifestyle starts with what goes into a grocery shopping cart and strives to provide ecological and eco-friendly products that it promotes across all its stores.
Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon (GMRL) has acquired NokNok, an online grocery platform known for fast delivery. Signed in early 2024, the deal aligns with GMRL’s strategy to expand its e-commerce reach and digital services. Integrating NokNok allows GMRL to enhance its digital footprint and provide innovative, practical solutions to Lebanese consumers. Operating under GMRL since last month, NokNok will undergo a full app revamp to introduce new features and high-quality offerings. <br/> "This acquisition supports our vision to lead Lebanon's retail sector through digital transformation," said Hassan, Chairman of Gray Mackenzie Group.
As part of the activities of the 10th edition of the annual Flower Festival held annually to support local farmers and encourage sustainable farming, and in co-occurrence with the month dedicated to raising awareness about autism, Spinneys organized an event titled "Cultivate your senses" in collaboration with the Lebanese Autism Society.</br> Spinneys chose the senses for this purpose this year to highlight their importance in shaping renewal and growth in human life, especially for individuals with autism, as they face sensory challenges that require precise techniques. These techniques are based on specific activities that teach them how to deal with life circumstances by stimulating their five senses, helping them adapt better to their surroundings and increasing brain activity and concentration.
On the occasion of the earth day, we celebrated our Green Festival at Spinneys Jbeil in collaboration with 10NGOs and schools from the area. We strongly believe that educating the younger generation about eco friendly practices can ensure a successful transition to a greener and more sustainable environment. The ‘Green Festival’ is just one of the many green initiatives that Spinneys leads, underscoring their commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. From educational workshops to hands-on activities, Spinneys consistently demonstrates its dedication to fostering a greener and more sustainable future for Lebanon.
In retail, standing still isn't an option. At Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon, we turn challenges into opportunities, foster a culture of innovation, and expanded with Monoprix and NokNok. Learn about our journey, commitment to excellence, and reinvesting in Lebanon's future.
We're excited to share the initiative from our ongoing partnership between CCCL and Spinneys! Every purchase made at Spinneys continues to raise funds for the children of CCCL. With every beep at the checkout, you're not just buying a product—you're making a donation that supports a child's journey to health and happiness. Our dedication to the Lebanese community remains unwavering.