Apparel Group achieves highest honor with industry leading awards

The award was granted by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Apparel's success in business performance and its ongoing contribution to the economic development of the United Arab Emirates.

Apparel Group recorded growth of over 50% in its re-export business for the year 2007 compared to 2006. The forthcoming year of 2008 is targeted to achieve 100% growth in re-export due to the future store openings at Bahrain, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh as well as plans to expand into new markets in North Africa and Eastern Europe.

Headquartered in Dubai, the Apparel Group has been operating in the UAE since 1996 when it opened its first retail outlet, Nine West. The company now represents 50 international brands, employs over 3,500 staff, and has 400 stores across the Gulf, India, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia.

Upon receiving the Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Award, Chairman and CEO of Apparel Group, Nilesh Ved, cited the unique vision of the UAE's leaders and its support of entrepreneurial enterprises in Dubai;

'The achievement in our re-export business is a direct result of the world class infrastructure and facilities available in the UAE. Jebel Ali Port is recognized amongst the top five in the world and consistently provides fast and efficient customs services for us to effectively facilitate global exports and successfully operate our business.'

'In a journey of just over ten years we have grown from one store to now represent some of the most recognized brands today such as Kenneth Cole, Bally, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Aldo, Mango and La Senza. It is now our mission is to develop our portfolio from 400 stores to 1,000 stores by the end of 2010.'

The award comes a day after Apparel Group was acknowledged at the Retail Middle East Awards as International Retailer of the Year for its brand Kenneth Cole.

Apparel Group is also an ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company and a proud winner of the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award, Dubai Human Resource Development Appreciation Award, Superbrands Award and many more industry and regional awards.