Giordano, a Hong-Kong-based apparel retailer, plans to take its total store count to 250 in the Middle East by 2015. It has recently opened its 200th outlet at Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, spread over 1,900 sq.ft.
During 2011, the company opened 14 new stores across the region. With the new store in Abu Dhabi and an additional outlet in Kuwait, the retailer is also expanding rapidly across Saudi Arabia, with 12 new stores opened in the Kingdom till date and two more set to launch before the year end.
The retailer also plans a large scale refurbishment programme across existing outlets in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with investments in new stores and renovations reaching over AED 25 mn in 2011.
Speaking about the future plans, Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director, Giordano Middle East, said: "We are in full-swing getting our shops closer to our customers across the region. The substantial investments earmarked for this expansion program seal our commitment to be a leading player in the retail apparel industry not only in the Gulf but also across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Asian sub-Continent. Since our first regional store opened in Burjuman in 1993, we have continued to grow and reaching our 200th store landmark this year is an indication of our strength and success in the market. Our growth is all due to valued customers who have continuously supported and trusted our brand and our products.”
Giordano has posted double-digit year-on-year growth till date from regional operations, rollout of high-demand product lines leading to low inventories and strengthened cash flow.
“Giordano’s strategy of ‘less is more’ focuses on the right product mix and choices for customers. We have made it through 18 years here in the region and look forward to many more years to come. Our customers are assured of a collection that is essential, relevant, and of superior workmanship,” added Chugani.
Giordano International was founded in Hong Kong in 1981 and is one of the world’s leading international retailers of apparel and accessories for men, women and children. It currently has over 2,400 stores in the Middle East, Asia, Australia, India, Eastern Europe and Africa.
-IndiaRetailing Bureau
