The Athlete's Foot has formalized an
agreement with The Alajlan Company of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to become The
Athlete's Foot's master franchisee for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The
company projects 10 store openings over the length of the agreement with
five opened in the first five years.
The Athlete's Foot's expansion into Saudi Arabia is in keeping
with
the company's strategic plan for aggressive franchise growth throughout
the
Middle East and in other international markets. The company currently
operates five stores in Kuwait and recently announced an agreement to
open
stores throughout the United Arab Emirates. In 2003, The Athlete's Foot
opened 100 stores globally and anticipates opening another 100 stores in
2004.
“We are very pleased to expand our presence in the Middle East
with
a dynamic partner of the caliber of The Alajlan Company,” said Robert J.
Corliss, president and CEO of The Athlete's Foot. “Our successful
experience in Kuwait and our recently announced expansion into the
United
Arab Emirates clearly indicates that the Middle East is a viable and
sustainable market with unlimited potential for The Athlete's Foot
concept,”
Corliss adds.
