RJ Apparel: Gaining a foothold in fast-growing fitness industry

When it comes to fitness, it is not just a matter of healthy food and proper exercise. A goodquality outfit is essential to help a person exercise comfortably.

A few years ago, sports outfits used to be quite expensive due to the reliance on exports. However, this has changed with the emergence of local brands offering quality products at affordable prices. RJ Apparel is one of the many Saudi-based brands catering to the needs of the women on the go. Raneem Jalal, the founder of RJ Apparel, told Arab News that she has always been passionate about fitness. “I always wanted to encourage others to be healthy, enjoy working out and feel good while doing that.” She called RJ Apparel her infant project, which is focused on offering comfortable, affordable, and high-quality activewear for women in Saudi Arabia. Jalal said her business is growing fast as more women in the Kingdom become aware of the importance of health and fitness.

Jalal said that, as with any startup, her project faced teething problems and it took time to gain a foothold in the fast-growing Saudi market.

She believes good quality — she does not compromise on the quality of her products — and the best customer service ensure sustainable growth for any business.

“Our business objective is not merely to offer good fitness clothing but also to develop a wellconnected customer base that relies on us for a satisfying experience,” she said.

Comments on the brand’s social media accounts testify to the fact that RJ Apparel is more than a brand or outlet — it strives to form a big, happy and healthy family that comprises many famous names from the Saudi fitness industry. Jalal said that her biggest challenge so far was posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “Like any other business we depend heavily on stakeholders to run our business and due to recent economic challenges worldwide suppliers and logistics have been our biggest hurdle.”

For the future, Jalal said that she and her brand look forward to contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals, specifically in the area of sport and women’s empowerment.

“We aspire to be the leaders of the local sportswear market and a proud Saudi brand with an international presence.”