Giordano celebrates its 15th anniversary by recording remarkable growth in 1st quarter of 2008

The Middle East's leading retailer and distributor of casual apparel is on target for another record year, by witnessing a remarkable growth in its various markets in the region. Giordano achieved a 30% growth across the region in the 1st quarter of 2008, which is quite an achievement keeping in minding the current challenges in the retail industry.

"The Middle East is witnessing an enormous growth, particularly Dubai which is leading the growth of the ME retail sector. The GCC is accommodating thousands of successful retailers and we are proud to be on the top of the list by being one of the leading apparel retailers in the region" expressed Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director for Giordano Middle East and Africa.

Giordano is aggressively implementing its expansion plan in the region and has opened 6 more stores in the GCC during the first quarter, bringing the total number of stores to 151 in the region.

Giordano currently operates over 1,900 stores in the Middle East, Asia, Australia, India, Eastern Europe and North America.


Within the G.C.C. it has opened 2 new stores in the UAE, 3 in Saudi Arabia and 1 in Kuwait during the first quarter.

Overall business in the U.A.E. grew by an impressive 50 % as compared to last year. The group's business in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait also had high double digit growths.

Giordano has strategically planned its 2008 expansion; soon the group will launch its new Lifestyle store of 4,000 square feet - "Giordano Concepts", which will be the first in the Middle East and opens at the Dubai Mall later this year. During the year, Giordano also plans to open 15 new stores in the Middle East and 5 more in India, bringing the number of stores to 170. Giordano is well on target to have 200 stores in the ME and India by the end of 2010.

"In 2007 Giordano entered new markets like Egypt and Azerbaijan and have plans to have presence in more markets such as Syria, Libya and Ghana. With our operational efficiency, reach and customer acceptance, we have developed into one of the most renowned apparel retail brands in the region by focusing on our Core Values of Quality, Knowledge, Innovation, Service and Simplicity," added Chugani.

Giordano is constantly commited to improving its stores. This year the group will commence another cycle of shop upgrade and renovation. All Giordano stores across the globe will be remodelled to a new design, based on extensive research carried out on global retail design trends generated through customer focus groups.

"Our 2008 1st quarter results are amazing. Giordano's growth rate in this period reflects our commitment to serve our customers the best quality and value. Our achievements are a pride to our team and a motivation to set higher goals in the upcoming years," concluded Chugani.