DUBAI: Pastor & Co., a company known for sourcing and selling rare and luxury items from leading brands, is looking to expand its business in Saudi Arabia with moves into hospitality and tourism. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle The firm built its reputation on supplying high-end watches, contemporary art, and luxury furniture, and now has its sights set on the Kingdom’s growing luxury market. Pastor & Co. rose to prominence in Saudi Arabia through its partnership with Farfetch Fashion Concierge, quickly becoming the primary supplier, thanks to its expertise in distinguishing authentic luxury items from counterfeits. “The market was hot, and fake products were becoming increasingly sophisticated,” Solomon Pastor, the company’s director, told Arab News. “Farfetch recognized us as not only being expert curators but as having infinite knowledge of the tiny details that set an authentic item apart from a fake. “We were able to prove ourselves on what was a huge stage, and quickly outsold the likes of Harrods and Louis Vuitton in terms of units sold, simply because we could source thousands of items on demand.” Originally started as SneakerPlug by Levi Pastor while still in high school, the business initially focused on limited sneakers and apparel for UK and US rappers and sports stars. As demand for luxury items grew, Solomon joined, expanding the firm’s catalog to include timepieces, jewelry, art and luxury homeware items. Pastor & Co.’s reputation has attracted high-net-worth individuals, including members of Saudi Arabia’s royal family. “We are honored to have sourced items for members of the Al-Saud family and other members of royal families. We value their trust in us, and part of that trust is complete confidentiality,” Solomon said. The firm’s involvement in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah and AlUla mega-projects marks a new chapter. “We are really excited by the transition of the Kingdom and are in awe of the vision of Mohammed bin Salman,” Solomon said. “Our relationship is in its infancy, but we are particularly focused on introducing our service within hospitality as well as the luxury items we can offer.” Respecting the culture and history of AlUla and Diriyah, while embracing the opportunities both projects offer is a priority for the company. “So far, our experience has been that the Saudi people are overwhelmingly warm and welcoming. Pastor & Co. has the opportunity to show the world how misinformed they have been about the Kingdom, and elevate luxury tourism through the items and services we offer,” Solomon said. In a groundbreaking initiative, Pastor & Co. plans to host Central, one of the world’s top restaurants, from Lima, Peru, in Saudi Arabia. “Central has never presented outside of Lima, so this would be an extraordinary coup for Saudi. We guarantee that Saudis have never experienced anything like this in their Kingdom, so we want to offer this opportunity to the Saudi people, high-net-worth expats and gastro tourists,” Solomon said. Looking ahead, Pastor & Co. aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing luxury tourism through a range of service and culinary offerings. “Pastor & Co. was founded by two very young entrepreneurs, and Saudi Arabia has an overwhelmingly young population, which is important for the progression of the Kingdom,” said Solomon.