Giordano Chairman heads up partnership board meeting

Giordano now operates 118 stores in the region, with 29 new stores under development, 15 of which are scheduled to open before the end of 2006. As part if the joint venture partnership with ETA Group, Giordano International has also expanded into new markets such as India, Iran, Georgia-Tsiblisi, Bulgaria, Armenia and Kazakhstan. The brand has experienced double digit growth year-on-year, since starting operations in the region in 1993.

It was also recently recognised by the Superbrands Council, for its allround brand superiority.

Speaking of Giordano's success in the region, Peter Lau said:

"Our growth in the region is dependent on the development of new retail and lifestyle centres. The mall-centric attitude of the region means that shoppers prefer all their brands in one place; particularly in the Gulf. Even though there is massive investment in the retail sector across the Middle East, there are a number of major developments we are moving into, it will still be some time before we are able to take possession."

Lau continued: "Our partnership with the ETA Group has seen our brand grow tremendously in just over a decade, and has been instrumental in our entering the Indian marketplace. Giordano now reaches more than three billion people, and we haven't even looked to the Americas or Europe yet. This is quite an achievement. ETA's local expertise and strong relationships has allowed the Giordano brand to become an intricate part of our customers lives, and has allowed the brand to serve consumers more effectively with each new store."

Whilst in Dubai, Lau met with Eisa Al Ghurair, Director for the ETA-ASCON Group, Syed Salahuddin, Managing Director, ETA-ASCON Group, Ahmed Salahudddin, Director at ETA, Mr. Nagarajan, ETA's Director of Corporate Affairs and Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano Middle East. The meetings reviewed current strategy and future plans for the brand, both in terms of satisfying increased consumer demand and infrastructure to support the increased inventory and distribution throughout the Giordano Middle East network.

In a recent addition to its accolades, Giordano has been awarded Superbrand status in the Middle East. The brand was recognised last year by Superbrands in Hong Kong, and has now achieved regional status, after the Superbrands Council, recognised Giordano. The Council, comprised of UAE business leaders, score the brand on various elements, with Giordano being one of 78 brands picked.

Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director for Giordano Middle East, said of the new accolade: "As a relavtively young world brand, it is humbling to receive this recognition from the region. We have worked hard to establish the brand over the last 12 years, and with our customers support, we have achieved this."