06.05.2008

Essen/Berlin, May 6, 2008. Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH and the digital lifestyle supplier GRAVIS are opening a new computer and IT division in Karstadt's branch in Lübeck on May 8. This division will have a surface area of 300 m2, and will offer customers a digital world of experience with a media lounge and several areas where the latest products from the world of Apple and other renowned brands can be discovered and tried out. Windows products will continue to be available. The opening of the GRAVIS store in Karstadt's Lübeck branch is part of a pilot phase which was started in November 2007. 

"Cooperation with GRAVIS is a further important step in enhancing our expertise in complementary product ranges and making Karstadt even more attractive for our customers. Apple products are attractive product range, particularly for young target groups", says Peter Wolf, Karstadt CEO and the member of the Arcandor-Holding Management Board in charge of over-the-counter business. "We create worlds of entertainment which encourage customers to make purchases, offer and outstanding consultancy service and all in all reach the level of specialist retail trade", continues Wolf. "By choosing Germany's largest Apple dealer, GRAVIS, Karstadt chose the most professional supplier in this area."

"GRAVIS can look back on a successful financial year and continue its growth path in 2008. Cooperation with Europe's leading department store company is an important milestone in this journey. This offers us the opportunity to serve even more customers in top city center locations with our product range and to expand our product and service range. In Karstadt, we have found a strong partner which matches our sales concept perfectly," explains Archibald Horlitz, CEO and founder of GRAVIS.

About Karstadt
Rudolph Karstadt opened his first store in Wismar on May 14, 1881. 125 years later, Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, a fully-owned subsidiary of Arcandor AG, is one of Europe's leading department stores. Every day, between 2.5 and 3 million customers visit the 90 department stores and 32 Karstadt sports stores. Peter Wolf, a member of the Arcandor AG Management Board, is the CEO of Karstadt (Essen).

About GRAVIS
HSD GmbH was founded by Archibald Horlitz and Wilfried Gast in Berlin in 1986 and was transformed into the mail order company, GRAVIS, in 1988. A retail business with several branches, GRAVIS has been offering Apple products since 1991. These products now make up the company's core business area. GRAVIS is now Germany's largest chain of stores for Apple, iPod and more. As a market leader in the Apple retail business, GRAVIS has grown to become the digital lifestyle supplier with 30 sales outlets at present.

Press contact:
Arcandor AG
Group Communication
Martin Schleinhege
Telephone: +49 (0)201 727-9667
martin.schleinhege@arcandor.com

GRAVIS AG
fischerAppelt Kommunikation GmbH
Cornelia Lindberg
Telephone: +49 (0)40 899 699-614
GRAVIS@fischerappelt.de