15.10.2007

Essen/Berlin, Germany. Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH and the digital lifestyle provider GRAVIS have agreed to a strategic collaboration in the area of multimedia. The test in three Karstadt branches will see Germany's largest trade chain for the distribution of Apple products offer its core range such as Apple computers, iPods, Apple software including an extensive range of accessories. In a first step products from the Karstadt hardware/IT area such as Windows-based PCs and corresponding accessories will be added.

If the six-month test phase is successful, it has been planned that GRAVIS will also take over further areas of the Karstadt multimedia segment in other Karstadt department stores during the final phase of sales and distribution.

GRAVIS will be present in the first Karstadt branch in a top inner-city location as early as this year. The available sales area have an approximate size of between 300 and 500 square meters.

"With this step, we are continuing our strategy with determination, raising competence in supplementary ranges and making Karstadt more attractive to customers. Apple products are an attractive range, especially for younger target groups", said Peter Wolf, CEO of Karstadt and Arcandor Holding Managing Board Member responsible for over-the-counter retail. "We are creating entertainment worlds which encourage customers to buy, offering an outstanding advisory service at the overall level of a specialized retailer. "In GRAVIS, Germany's largest Apple retailer, Karstadt has chosen the most competent supplier for this range."

"This collaboration with Europe's leading department store company is another milestone on the expansion path GRAVIS is pursuing. It means we have the opportunity of serving even more customers in city centers with our range and to extend our range on offer on a gradual basis. At the same time, through Karstadt we are reaching new buyer groups and can use economies of scale. With Karstadt, we have found a strong partner who fits our sales concept perfectly", explains Archibald Horlitz, CEO and founder of GRAVIS.

The Karstadt Company On May 14, 1881, Rudolph Karstadt opened his first store in Wismar. 125 years after its establishment, Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, a 100-percent subsidiary of Arcandor AG, is one of Europe's leading department stores. Between 2.5 and 3 million customers visit the 90 department stores and 32 Karstadt sports shops every day. Peter Wolf is CEO, who is also Member of the Management Board of Arcandor AG (Essen).

The GRAVIS Company
In 1986, HSD GmbH was established in Berlin by Archibald Horlitz and Wilfried Gast out of which developed the catalogue retailer GRAVIS. The core business of the branched retailer is Apple products, which GRAVIS has had on offer since 1991. GRAVIS has now become Germany's
largest trade chain for Apple, iPod and more. The company has doubled its sales in the last 4 years. As market leader in Apple retail business, GRAVIS has developed into a digital lifestyle suppler with currently 23 branches and 5 shop-in-shop outlets.

Press contact:
Arcandor AG
Konzernkommunikation
Jörg Howe
Telephone: +49 (0)201 727 -2 53 8
joerg.howe@arcandor.com
GRAVIS AG
fischerAppelt Kommunikation GmbH
Susanne Hein
Telephone: +49 (0)40 899 699-962
GRAVIS@fischerappelt.de
back