Sheikh Faisal & MD
Dubai, 01st November 2011: By hosting an elegant evening party at the magnificent Atlantis Hotel, Grand Stores – the renowned international brand retailer cum distributor – marked its 30th year of operation in the UAE.
The special event that was attended by the top dignitaries from various business sectors included top retailers, media professionals, government officials, business heads and leaders from various multinational brands who plays a pivotal role in spinning forward the wheels of our economy. Remembering the humble beginnings from the early 1980s, the event showcased the dramatic development Grand Stores has achieved over the past 3 decades. During the official speech, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi – Chairman of Grand Stores said that “It is through determination, hard work and passion for excellence that Grand Stores grew from its initial stage in 1981 to the full fledged multi-cultural organization.”
Managing Director of Grand Stores, Mr. Mohamed Abu Issa said “Like building a house, which needs a strong foundation, Grand Stores was built on strong, deep rooted foundations of integrity, loyalty, sincerity, ambition and ethical values. The people were chosen prudently. From just 11 people who started this company in 1981, we have grown to over 1200 people, as of today, in 3 countries, UAE, KSA and Jordan, consisting of 28 different nationalities.” Reiterating that being ‘employee-friendly’ and at the same time ‘customer-driven’ and ‘customer-focused’ has cemented and built up Grand Stores’ structure over the years, Mr. Mohamed Abu Issa also added that on this memorable occasion of 30th anniversary celebrations, the company must resolve to capitalize on its core strengths and embrace arising opportunities with passion and foresight further elevating its professional business standards. “We have learnt that, if we have the vision, the will-power, the drive and perseverance, there is no dream that cannot be turned into reality” he stated. Addressing the audience, he said acquiring more brands, opening more retail stores, expanding the distribution business and diversifying investments in other business areas will be the future plans of Grand Stores.
The gracious evening also witnessed the official unveiling of Grand Stores’ new corporate logo and brand identity which strategically symbolized the evolution of the company that has successfully endured the past, proactively addressing the present and preparing for an even brighter future. “Over the years Grand Stores has gained a lot of brand equity and now the time has come to evoke the new corporate identity. Our new logo will be launched in the market very soon” said Ms. Nuha Abu Issa, Marketing Director of Grand Stores.
Employing 11 staff members in 1981 Grand Stores began its business in Abu Dhabi. In due course, the operations flourished and the company expanded its activities to other business territories across the region. Today Grand Stores is headquartered in Dubai, with businesses in UAE, KSA & Jordan employing more than 1200 staff members and operating more than 35 exclusive retail showrooms. Growing from within and developing its operations in distribution, retail and corporate business, Grand Stores deals with some of the world’s most renowned brands and products. The Technology Division alone handles photography & IT brands such as Nikon, Fujifilm, Lexar, Epson, MSI, Tamrac etc. The luggage division of Grand Stores handles Samsonite & American Tourister brands across the UAE. The Perfumes and Cosmetics Division, on the other hand deals with luxury brands such as Chanel, Givenchy, Nina Ricci, Azzaro, Paco Rabanne etc. A multitude of top-end European home-ware brands in linen and dinnerware is also available from Grand Stores Home showrooms located at selected shopping malls in the UAE.
Re-dedicating and re-assuring continued professional services to its business associates, retail partners and valuable customers, Grand Stores’ 30th Anniversary Celebration went well received by all participants.