The successful office supply brand is now starting its Middle East expansion by entering the Kuwait market, opening the first one-stop-shop for office supply and business solutions in the Middle East.

Kuwait, 03 Aug, 2009 - Office Depot Inc., a renowned and flourishing global supplier of office products is now entering the Kuwaiti market. In cooperation with M.H. Alshaya Co, the leading retailer in the Middle East, the unique brand will launch the first one stop shop for office supplies in the region at The Avenues Mall. The opening comes as the first step in a series of store launches in Kuwait and the region, continuing the brand's dramatic growth over the last 20 years since its establishment.

"We are very proud to introduce Office Depot to the Middle East" Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. stated, "Office Depot offers a unique concept, unifying a wide range of quality products, services and exclusive brands under one roof.  We believe that there is a tremendous need for such a new concept in Kuwait and the region. Using our experience and market knowledge as the leading retailer in the region we are looking forward to firmly establishing Office Depot as the supplier of choice for businesses and individuals, fulfilling all their office supply needs and to exceed their expectations."

The Office Depot flagship store will open in August 2009. Located at The Avenues Mall, the store and will offer around 5,000 high quality products and services on 900 square meters to businesses as well as private costumers. Office Depot products include general office supplies, computer supplies, business machines and related supplies, and office furniture from international brands as well as their own private brands, which include Office Depot ®, Foray ®, Ativa ® and Real Space ®. The stores also contain a Copy, Print and Ship Center offering copy services, printing, reproduction, mailing, shipping, and other services.

" 'Taking Care Of Business' - this is the company motto we live by and we truly believe in. The launch of our first store here in Kuwait opens a new chapter in the history of Office Depot's expansion. This is the first one-stop-shop for office supply in the region and we are very optimistic that Office Depot will reach a market-leading position in the office supplies business in the Middle East" said John Moore, Business Director of Office Depot in the Middle East, adding "We are aiming to achieve this goal through a dominant range of quality products, competitive pricing, complete services and exclusivity through the extensive selection of our own branded products."

Office Depot Inc. provides products and services to its customers through 1,604 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and an e-commerce operation. The Company provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company.

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About M.H. Alshaya Co.
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 50 of the world's most recognized retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Mothercare, Debenhams, River Island and Boots. The company operates over 1,700 stores across six divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Casual Dining, Optics and Pharmaceuticals. 

M.H. Alshaya Co. stores can currently be found in 15 markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia and Poland. More recently, the company launched operations in Slovakia and Czech Republic. It employs more than 16,000 people from over 35 nationalities.

The company has established itself as the industry leader across these territories through a combination of local market understanding and a comprehensive commitment to customer service. Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure. It applies best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls. 

M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East.  In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments.

Learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com.

About Office Depot
Office Depot, Inc. is a global supplier of office products and services. The company was incorporated in 1986 with the opening of our first retail store in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Every day, Office Depot is Taking Care of Business for millions of customers around the globe. Office Depot provides products and services to its customers through 1,604 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and an e-commerce operation. Office Depot employs about 42,000 associates around the world. The Company provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company, and currently sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 48 countries.

Office Depot currently offers general office supplies, computer supplies, business machines and related supplies, and office furniture from national brands as well as our own private brands, which include Office Depot ®, Foray ®, Ativa ® and Real Space ®. The stores also contain a Copy, Print and Ship Center offering copy services, printing, reproduction, mailing, shipping, and other services

For further information please contact:
John Moore
Business Director, Office Depot
Tel.: 2224 25 25
Email:  john.moore@alshaya.com

© Press Release 2009