Monday, 27 November 2006

RIYADH: Bernardi, leading Italian Department store, was launched in Riyadh on Thursday by Abdulrahman A. Al-Jeraisy, chairman of Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Prince Mohammed Al-Faisal, the CEO and the President of Al-Faisaliah Group (AFG) and Ambassador of Italy, Eugenio D'Auria.

Bernardi has over 167 stores spread across Italy and first time stepping out of their home country to open stores all over the Mideast in association with AFG, one of the leading Business Houses in the Kingdom. Located on the busy King Abdullah Road in Riyadh, 38,000 square feet two level Bernardi store offers excellent choice to customers at very attractive prices in latest fashion garments for all ages, footwear, toys, nursery furniture, cosmetics, watches and home accessories.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Mohammed Al-Faisal said, "AFG has now entered into fashion and furniture retail business as part of its diversification plans with aggressive Business Plan for fast growing Retail business in the region. We are happy to bring Bernardi to Saudi Arabia offering value for money to our customers and our constant focus will be oriented toward customers' satisfaction. We have plans to open 30 Bernardi Department stores in the Kingdom in the next three years in addition to expanding outside Saudi Arabia."

Prince Mohamed also said that an agreement has been signed with a leading furniture retailer in France and the first store will open early 2008. "We are in the process of finalizing Franchise agreements with over 12 leading fashion Brands from different parts of the world and very soon those new brands will enter the Kingdom offering wide choice to customers."

He said Al-Faisaliah Commercial Ltd, the retail subsidiary of AFG, will generate more than 1,200 jobs for Saudis in the next five years.

Riccardo Di Tommaso, the CEO of Bernardi Spa, Italy, speaking on the occasion said, "We were looking for the right partner in the region for the past few years and are very happy to associate with AFG. It is very exciting day for Bernardi team with the launch of our first store in Saudi Arabia."

© The Saudi Gazette 2006