ƒnMail Boxes Etc.(MBE),a global franchise of one-stop shops that offer a range of services such as postal, communication, Internet and business services, has started operations in Lebanon. The California-based MBE operates more than 4,300 centers in 72 countries. Such centers offer local and international mailbox services; shipping, courier and document services; as well as Internet and virtual offices.
Express Business Services (EBS),the firm that won the franchise for Lebanon, plans to open at least four MBE centers in 2001and has already launched a soft opening in Furn al-Chebbak. It intends to launch three more outlets in Achrafieh, Verdun and Hamra before the middle of the year, and can grant sub-franchises for independent outlets across the country.
EBS has reached a co-branding agreement with Libanpost to operate MBE centers under the Mail Boxes Etc/Libanpost brand name. MBE centers will be located at Libanpost offices but will not infringe on the latter،¦s monopoly for transporting and distributing mail.
MBE services will allow individuals and businesses in Lebanon to have an address, fax number and voice mail in more than 500 cities around the world. Its electronic shopping service ensures that individuals or firms based in Lebanon can shop on the Internet, have their items delivered to their MBE address in the United States, and then consolidated with other purchases and shipped to Lebanon.
This process will save time, transport cost and customs fees. MBE has also agreed with Western Union to offer worldwide money transfer at its centers. ،X (Lebanon Invest)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
