"We are very excited to introduce Payless to the Middle Eastern market, and we believe the Payless name and all it represents including great brands, a fun inspiring shopping experience, the latest affordable fashions and high quality will do well here -- just as it has in other regions of the world," said Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. "People in the Middle East are going to be overwhelmed by Payless and what it has to offer." This newest venture follows on the heels of Payless' successful launch into Colombia, South America, in early August, with four new stores open in Bogota and more than 35 additional stores yet to come in Colombia within the next 18 months.

The Middle East market initiative marks a first for the retailer in franchising its stores. The company believes that the franchise model will enable it to most effectively reach more international markets with its unique vision. As well, this strategic move is a significant step in expanding Payless' diversified real estate strategy that includes a well-balanced mix of mall-based stores with free standing stores and those located in lifestyle and local shopping centers.

Payless and its more than 4,500-store chain has an expanding international presence today with more than 600 stores in 13 countries and territories including Canada and in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Stores in Central America, South America, Trinidad and the Dominican Republic are operated through joint ventures. Stores in Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Saipan, are operated through wholly owned subsidiaries.(C) 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Aldata and its Gulf Region partner, KOL Corporation FZ-LLC, collaborated to ensure a rapid Aldata G.O.L.D. implementation so that Alshaya would meet its aggressive store opening deadlines.

"Alshaya's accelerated store opening schedule provided another opportunity for us to get Aldata G.O.L.D. up and running in time to meet the business needs of our customers," said Dominique Chambas, SVP Sales EMEA, Aldata. "Once again, we were able to complete the deployment within six months."

Offering complete management of central head-office operations, G.O.L.D. Central enables the control, management and optimization of logistics and commercial flows and facilitates stock level management, pricing, ranges and assortments and replenishment. G.O.L.D. Shop complements G.O.L.D. Central with back office management, centralized POS management and business reporting for a complete in-store solution. G.O.L.D. Mobile is dedicated to mobile shop floor operations such as stock and item checking, store ordering, store receptions and helps to minimize out-of-stocks as well as empowering store associates to spend more time selling, servicing and building relationships with consumers.

Aldata 100% Retail-Wholesale

At Aldata 100% of our business is dedicated to retail and wholesale business improvement. We provide our customers with modern, flexible andintegrated software solutions specifically designed to increase productivity, performance and profitability. With over 24,000 successful installations across 52 countries, from convenience store to hypermarket, 480+ live warehouses and customers with 5 to 5,000 outlets, we consistently deliver the goods for retail and wholesale business improvement. Aldata Solution is a public company quoted on the Helsinki Stock Exchange with the identifier ALD1V. More information at: www.aldata-solution.com.

About M.H. Alshaya Co.

M.H. Alshaya Co. is one of the leading retail companies operating in the Middle East, and is the franchisee for more than 40 international retailer brands including H&M, Starbucks Coffee, Mothercare, Debenhams, Boots, The Body Shop and Foot Locker. Based in Kuwait, Alshaya operates more than 1400 internationally branded stores across 16 countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus, Turkey, Russia, Egypt and more recently Poland. This network of stores is supported by an integrated pan-regional infrastructure, incorporating best practice activities in Retail Operations, Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Logistics, Real Estate, Human Resources and Financial Control. Alshaya's Retail Division employs more than 14,000 employees from 37 nationalities.

About Kol Corp

KOL Corporation FZ--LLC is an information technology company that develops, customizes and implements business solutions and products across different business verticals and technologies. In its sixth year of operations, Kol has a team of over 65 people best defined as talented, enthusiastic, committed and driven. This team comprises of people with outstanding computer science and specialist business domain backgrounds.

KOL range of services includes ERP/SCM Implementation and Business Consultancy. Apart from development, customizations and implementation on Microsoft technology platform we do have expertise and major projects in other technologies and are involved in significant corporate projects.

KOL has served the technology needs of customers in industries across various domains. KOL's client list ranges from Government to Multinationals to Regional Corporate Powerhouses.

SOURCE: Aldata Solution, Inc.

For Aldata Solution: 
Aldata Solution, Inc. 
Sandra Ross Dunn, 404-720-2027 
sandra.dunn@aldata-solution.com 
or 
Schwartz Communications 
Amy Burnis, 781-684-0770 
aldata@schwartz-pr.com

"We have taken care to provide the best customer service and ambience which will make shopping at these stores a completely enjoyable experience, "he added.

Khaldiya Co-op is the 22nd store in Kuwait for Mothercare, apart from its flagship stores in the Avenues, Fashionway and Souq Sharq. "Being present in the region for over 25 years, we have a unique understanding of this market. We work closely with the experts, from midwives to safety advisors and technologists, to ensure that we deliver innovative products. Our new store at Khaldiya will offer our full range of products for mothers and babies, "said Mr. Ali Hussain, Brand Marketing Manager for Mothercare.

The global retailer of naturally inspired and ethically produced beauty and cosmetics products, The Body Shop now has a total of 28 stores in Kuwait with its latest store in Khaldiya Co-op. Spacious and well organised, The Body Shop offers a variety of products like its world- famous Body Butter range, fragrances including the best selling White Musk, inspiring accessories, gifts and make-up items.

Evans has opted for a new design shop-fit, improved lighting and bigger fitting rooms for its latest store in Khaldiya Co-op. "This is our 12th store in Kuwait and we have tried to give it a new spruced up look. The highlight of the store is our exclusive new collection designed for Ramadan. Inspired by local traditions and customs, the collection is a tribute to the holy month, "said Mr. Ian Puttock, Brand Manager for Evans.

While Evans appeals to 24-55 year olds, Claire's offers jewellery and accessories for the style conscious teens and young adults. With 24 stores around the country, its new store at Khaldiya is the latest addition to the brand's 110 stores in the Middle East.

Marking its new store opening in Khaldiya Co-op, Peacocks showcases its new Autumn Winter collection featuring check shirts, gypsy tops, ethnic prints, floral and animal print tops. The brand has also introduced a new range of stylish boots to suit every customer.

About M.H. Alshaya Co.

M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 40 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 1,400 stores across six divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Casual Dining, Optics and Pharmaceuticals.

M.H. Alshaya Co. stores can currently be found in 16 markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia, Poland and Egypt. More recently, the company launched operations in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. It employs more than 14,000 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.

(C) 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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