INTERSPORT opens its first store at Times Square Centre

Located on the ground level of the mall, the 13500 square feet the store will offer sports enthusiasts the largest number of international sporting brands under one roof, including its in-house brands such as Protouch, McKinley, Firefly, Etirel, Dynatour.

In line with the international concept of the brand, the store has been segregated by sports categories providing expert gear for golf, football, tennis, squash, fitness, water sports, rugby, outdoor, with a special focus on women's and kids products.

Speaking at the opening, Jim McCallum, Group Director - Retail, Al-Futtaim Group, said, 'We are pleased to announce the opening of UAE's first INTERSPORT store. As the brand promises, the outlet will not only showcase a large variety of sports brands but will also provide customers with expert advice for all their sporting needs.'

McCallum further added, 'This store opening kick-starts our expansion plans for the brand and will be followed by four more stores across the UAE by 2009.'

Worldwide, the INTERSPORT works closely with brands such as adidas, ASICS, ATOMIC, NIKE, amongst others, to offer the latest and newest products to customers at their stores. Being the world's leading sporting goods retailer, sports aficionados can expect several exclusive products to be launched and housed at the store.

Additionally, customers visiting the store are guaranteed world class service and expert advice on sports gear. All staff have been trained by professional sports trainers enabling them to advice customers to choose the equipment that best suits their needs.

Franz Julen, CEO of IIC-INTERSPORT International Corporation who was in Dubai especially for the opening, said that he was delighted to see the partnership between both parties move to a tangible form. He added. 'The opening of this store increases our global presence and we look forward to now venturing in to other markets in the Middle East.'

'We are excited about the store opening and are confident that the launch this brand will change the outlook for sports goods retailing in the UAE. This market has immense potential for specialized services in the sports segment and based on INTERSPORT's success in several markets, we believe we are equipped to pioneer that area,' concluded Amurto Basuray, General Manager, INTERSPORT UAE.

To mark the opening of the store, a social gathering was organised at the outlet which was attended by senior management from the Al-Futtaim Group and INTERSPORT.