Retailer Giordano International’s Chairman Peter Lau was in the Middle East recently to visit with senior members of the regional team for discussion on the group's expansion, and recent moves in to new markets.
Giordano makes use of both large shopping malls and smaller town center shopping precincts. Today the company operates 80 stores in eight markets, through outright ownership or franchise agreements and is set to surpass its 100-store milestone by the end of 2005.
Plans are already underway for the opening of more stores during the first quarter of 2004 and the inclusion of outlets in Iran and Kuwait has opened up further potential for the apparel retailer.
“There is room for both small and large retail concepts and as the region moves towards a tourism driven economy, retail will gain from the movement of Arab travelers across the region, as well as the inbound tourism from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa,” said Executive Director for Giordano Middle East, Ishwar Chugani.
The company has already invested heavily in the region, in terms of staff, facilities and store locations. With this expansion in mind, Giordano looks set to become the largest casual wear retailer in the region.
Established in Hong Kong in 1981, Giordano International now operates more than 1,500 stores in 30 countries, serving more than 1.5 billion customers across Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe.
In 1993, Giordano Middle East was established as a joint venture between Emirates Trading Agency, Dubai, and Giordano International, Hong Kong. Giordano Fashions looks after the entire distribution and marketing of Giordano products in the Middle East, North Africa, India and Pakistan. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
