Giordano launches Online Shopping as part of Regional Growth Strategy

– AED10 million investment earmarked for new stores and refurbishments

– Double digit regional growth recorded in Q1 2012

– New kiosk concept launched in UAE following successful KSA pilot

Giordano, the leading international apparel retailer, today reached another customer service milestone in its almost two decades of operations in the region, with the launch of its online shopping at www.giordano-me.com.

The move into e-commerce is being piloted in the UAE, with more than 300 of Giordano’s most popular items available in the initial launch phase, and products delivered within five working days to any UAE address.

“With the launch of our online shopping, we provide our customers with immediate access to our products right at their fingertips. No matter where they are in the UAE, they will be able to shop for Giordano products from the comfort of their home or workplace. The shopping portal is another demonstration of how Giordano adapts its business model to expand reach, and provide the best possible customer service,” said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano, Middle East, India and Africa. “As it is in its nascent stage, we’re piloting online shopping first in the UAE, with plans to cover other markets in the future,”

Giordano’s performance in the Middle East also continues an upward trajectory, registering 12 per cent growth during the first quarter of the year across the region, versus the same period in 2011. The retailer attributes the growth to strong sales in the Saudi Arabian market; increased consumer confidence; growing demand for high-quality, value-for-money wardrobe essentials; and contributions from newly-opened stores.

Giordano’s stores in the region now total 226, including eight shops opened in the first three months of 2012 in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and Lebanon. The retailer is poised to open a minimum of 10 more stores through to the end of the year, including market launches in Palestine and Mozambique, and additional shops in Lebanon, Georgia and Sudan, putting Giordano on track to hit its target of 250 stores by 2015.

“At Giordano, we just don’t stop at opening new stores. We strive to reinvent our products and our way of doing business, especially at a time when economic uncertainties remain. The key is in keeping close to our customers and offering them the quality basics they need, at the best value price, with the highest level of convenience,” said Chugani.

Last month also saw the opening of the first Giordano Essentials Kiosk at Dubai Festival City in the UAE. The concept was rolled out in Saudi Arabia last year and following its success, more kiosks are slated to open across the region.

“In 2012 alone, we are investing AED10 million in opening new stores and refurbishing our existing outlets to meet our customers’ needs. The kiosk concept means that shoppers can pick up essential clothing items on the go, it’s quick, easy and convenient,” said Chugani.

Social media presence is also an important tool for Giordano in the Middle East. To date, the fashion retailer’s regional Facebook page has attracted over 50,000 fans, who each receive regular updates on its activities and products.

In customer loyalty rewards, Giordano is one of the leading brands with a substantial base of loyalty club members reaching over 300,000 in the Middle East in just four years. World Without Strangers (WWS) was the first global and cardless loyalty programme to be introduced in the region. Members get to avail discounts and points in most Giordano shops worldwide. Sales from WWS members account for 25 per cent of Giordano’s revenues.