Saks comes to Bahrain

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New York's high fashion comes to the Kingdom in form of America's iconic fashion retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue. Saks Incorporated yesterday announced the commencement of its first licensed Saks Fifth Avenue store in Bahrain. The two-level, 57,600 square foot store is located in Bahrain City Centre (BCC)Bahrain City Centre (BCC) and will be operated by Style Avenue Bahrain, the sub-licensee of Style Avenue Middle EastStyle Avenue Middle East and a joint venture between Kapico Group, Damas JewelleryDamas Jewellery and the Chalhoub Group along with leading Bahraini business house, Abdullah Buhindi. "Bahrain is a great shopping and tourist destination. We have worked closely with Style Avenue Middle EastStyle Avenue Middle East to deliver an extraordinary assortment of luxury brands and experiences to the residents of and visitors to Bahrain," said Stephen I.

Sadove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Incorporated, in a statement from New York yesterday. In 2003 Saks entered into a license agreement with Style Avenue Middle EastStyle Avenue Middle East to open licensed Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. The BCCBCC location will be the third store opened under this agreement with the first being in Dubai in September 2004 and a second Saks Fifth Avenue men's store opened in June, also in Dubai. Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most recognised luxury retail brands in the world and has key relationships with leading fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Donna Karan, John Varvatos, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Judith Leiber, Prada, Escada, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, St. John, Yves St. Laurent, TOD'S, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Max Mara. "Bahrain is the most important emerging markets in the Middle East and one that is well versed with the latest in fashion. It is but natural that we open shop here," said Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai General Manager Rusi Motiwalla.

The store, he insists, will also add its world-class fashion events to the Bahraini social calendar. "Our vendor matrix will reflect the international glamour keeping in mind the style and fashion sense that Bahrain is famous for." Stephen I. Sadove added in his statement: "While our principal focus remains on improving the operations of our domestic stores, the opening of select international licensed locations can broaden the reach of our brand and produce a supplemental income stream for the company." The Bahrain Saks Fifth Avenue store is congruent with the Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the United States in both product and service while catering to local tastes and preferences, he said. The unique store includes distinctive offerings from established and emerging American and international designers and presents a sought-after collection of fine designer apparel for men and women as well as jewellery, accessories, handbags, fragrances, cosmetics, intimate apparel, bridal wear, children's apparel and selects gift items.

The store will also feature Saks Fifth Avenue's world-famous 10022-SHOE salon. Saks Fifth Avenue is known for its extraordinary personalised customer service, and the Bahrain location includes numerous in-store amenities such as skin care treatment rooms, luxury fitting rooms and the Fifth Avenue Club; its complimentary personal shopping service. The store will also offer an ongoing calendar of special events such as fashion shows and personal appearances by designers. Founded in 1924 and opening at the Fifth Avenue location, New York, this flagship store continues to be the company's landmark. Saks Fifth Avenue has grown to 53 stores throughout the United States, complemented by successful licensed stores in Riyadh, Dubai and Mexico City.

© Bahrain Tribune 2008