K-tuin opens 30th new store in Madrid, Spain

K-tuin opened a new site in Madrid on December 2, 2021 which brings to 30 the number of dedicated Apple Premium Resellers owned by the Group in Spain.

The extensive new retail shop is at the Mall Oasiz, where a team of six employees work in a 250 square meter showroom which also includes technical service facilities.

“At K-tuin people are at the center of our business. So we are proud to be closer to you and welcome you all in our new store – number 30 – in the Oasiz shopping center,” said manager of the new store, Fabio Bertola.

Around 500 people were present for the grand opening, which was backed up with special offers on available Apple product lines.

More about K-tuin

K-tuin was founded in 1994 by Juan Fabre. The first store opened in Madrid and dozens of openings followed. K-tuin was the first Spanish company to become an Apple Premium Reseller, the highest classification among Apple resellers. The company was acquired by Midis Group in December 2018.

In June 2021 Spanish Apple Premium Resellers Microgestio and Goldenmac signed an agreement with K-tuin to work together to build and strengthen their collective market across Spain. The combined business represent approximately 50% of the Apple Premium Reseller market in Spain. Read more about that announcement here.

JBS to build a new smart data platform using ML and AI for Capital Bank

Capital Bank has signed an agreement with Jordan Business Systems (JBS) the platinum partner of IBM in Jordan, to build a modern platform for the bank to manage data and learning Automation and artificial intelligence. The project is planned to accelerate the bank’s digital transformation program and to provide the latest technologies and advanced technological solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML),

Under the plan, Capital Bank will use a unified data management and artificial intelligence platform, IBM Cloud Pak for Data, which is an artificial intelligence-enabled system for the cloud environment that standardizes and simplifies the processes of collecting, organizing and analyzing data. The platform will help the bank support fact-based decision-making processes and it also provides automation to discover, classify and enhance data. This allows the outputting of data to business departments in record time, improving productivity, enhancing work efficiency and creating safer customer experiences, in addition to reducing the time and effort required to implement operations.

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and models will also help Capital Bank in other ways:

• understand customer behavior;
• predict customer actions;
• manage customer relations with the bank;
• help the bank reduce and manage risks by improving quality of credit underwriting;
• improve the credit approval process;
• disclosure, detecting and prevention of financial fraud;
• improving Know Your Customer service procedures via analyzing customer behavior;
• helping manage anti-money laundering & anti-terrorist financing efforts;

Group Chief Operating Officer at Capital Bank, Izzidin AbuSalameh, said: “Capital Bank is one of the first banks in the region to start their digital transformation journey and our partnership with JBS and IBM will use AI & ML to add great value to that journey. Data management is one of the most important pillars in digital transformation, which we expect will enhance services to Capital bank clients and increase the efficiency of our operations.”

Chief Data Officer at Capital Bank, Bahaa Awartany, said: “Our cooperation with JBS and IBM comes from Capital Bank’s belief in the importance of providing advanced and high-level data management technologies and developing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to improve the performance of our banking services. We will be part of the technological developments in the global banking sector, enhancing of the bank’s digital infrastructure to ensure smooth and efficient workflows.”

The Director of Innovation & Business Transformation at JBS, Khaled AlKadi said: “Adopting artificial intelligence solutions allows the Bank to leverage their data, bringing new insights which will enable them to provide the right services and offerings for their customers. Capital Bank is an early adopter locally and regionally in digital transformation, and the Bank has decided to adopt IBM Cloud Pak for Data, and Netezza Performance Server solutions. This will centralize data in a single master system that enables Capital Bank to analyze data and make decisions more quickly and with improved accuracy.”

Artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions will also help in the customer service center by converting incoming customer calls into texts and extracting patterns from them. These might include detecting common reasons for communication and recognizing frequent complaints in order to improve the quality of services provided to customers. Capital Bank will also be able to study and analyze ways to stimulate spending through credit cards, in order to be able to develop and provide appropriate services and solutions to customers that fit their different lifestyles.

iSTYLE opens second store in North Macedonia in tenth year of presence in the country

November 20th, 2021 – iSTYLE, the leading specialized Apple retailer in North Macedonia, has opened its second store in the East Gate Shopping Mall in Skopje.

The new site is the 52nd iSTYLE location in Central and Eastern Europe, consolidating the Group’s position as regional leader for Apple mono-brand shops, offering a best-in-class customer experience within the full Apple ecosystem of dedicated physical stores.

The store is designed and arranged to Apple standards, and offers the public an area of over 77 square meters of hi-tech Apple product presentation served by a team of certified specialists ready to provide individual assistance to each visitor. As in all their retail sites, iSTYLE offers a combination of Apple products, best quality accessories, and skilled customer services, which has become the brand’s emblem.

“Thanks to great efforts by the whole iSTYLE team, we’ve got the new store completed, stocked and opened safely. It’s challenging working under these conditions but the new retail location looks great and we are very pleased by customer reaction and business reaction,” said Trajce Simonovski, General Manager for iSTYLE Macedonia.

The opening of the second iSTYLE store was lucky for the first visitors, who took advantage of special offers for a selection of products and enjoyed other surprises and gifts. Among the Apple products displayed in the store, they have been able to test the recently released iPhone 13 models, the long-awaited Apple Watch Series 7, the sixth generation iPad mini, a technological marvel with sensational performance, the robust and extremely affordable iPad ninth generation and the brand new MacBook Pro 14” and 16” products, with the powerful M1 technology.

Among the exclusive services provided by iSTYLE that are offered to consumers and businesses, is the iSTYLE Comfort package for Mac laptops. The Mac Comfort package includes the extension of the commercial warranty by one or two years, a free replacement laptop to use while your own is in service, a voucher of 1500 МКD for the purchase of accessories, a one-on-one session with a consultant and assistance in locating the Mac in case of its loss or theft.

Trajce Simonovski was the driving force for the establishment of iSTYLE in the country ten years ago. He has seen many changes in the product line up in that time, and also in the market. “This is our long-awaited second iSTYLE location in Skopje, and a big accomplishment for us,” added Trajce Simonovski.

“This shows once again that the market appreciates the high quality products and services that we are providing. We can assure everyone that premium mono brand retail is our focus and that we are here to progress continuously, so that customers can receive the best Apple experience with us.”

To meet the needs of its consumers, iSTYLE offers flexible financing options, in partnership with several banks, as well as a trade-in program, which allows the quick and advantageous exchange of the current device with a new Apple product, following an objective assessment.

In addition, the iSTYLE store in East Gate Shopping Mall will forward consumer devices that require verification or servicing to the main iSTYLE Apple Premium Service Provider in Skopje.

More about iSTYLE Macedonia

With the opening of the new store, iSTYLE doubles the group footprint in Skopje. The premium high-tech retail locations are designed and executed according to Apple standards and aim continuously on improving their offers, and customer services in order to be the preferred local Apple Expert in the North Macedonian market.

iSTYLE, part of Midis Group, is the largest network of Apple Premium Reseller stores in Central and Eastern Europe. iSTYLE has been providing North Macedonian customers with the highest quality and stability services for 10 years through a competent team of certified specialists, permanently trained to Apple standards. The first store was opened in City Mall in 2012.

Successful face-to-face Libya Partner Summit for Mindware Group

Mindware Group enjoyed face-to-face meetings once again with partners and customers across North Africa at their two-day Libya Partner Summit from November 3 to 5, 2021.

Mindware Group organized the partner event at the Movenpick Hotel, Gammarth, Tunisia which was also attended by 12 key regional vendors; Barracuda, Dell Technologies, IBM, Juniper, Lenovo, Lexmark, Microsoft, RSA SecurID, TrendMicro and Vertiv who took part to present to Libyan partners cutting-edge high-tech innovations.

40 Libyan partners attended the event. The partners got the chance to know about Mindware’s products and solutions in addition to a business overview of the best in breed Tech vendors.

The objective of the event was also to highlight the commitment and investment of the Mindware Group on the African continent. “It is an honor for me to be present in Tunisia for this Libya Partner Summit 2021 event. This investment is part of the group’s growth strategy which will allow us to increase our presence on the Tunisian and Libyan markets,” declared Toni Azzi, General Manager of the Mindware Group for Africa, Qatar & Levant

Mindware’s mission is to introduce and develop global IT brands in emerging markets in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Anis Abdessalem, General Manager, Southcomp Distribution Tunisia, specifies that “this investment represents a pledge of confidence in our Libyan colleagues. Indeed, we are developing a synergy that allows us to respond more effectively to the needs of our Libyan partners and to support them in their development both on the local and international market. And this, through global, cutting-edge solutions adapted to their needs in a context of digitalization and continuous technological evolution.”

Southcomp Distribution Tunisia (SDT) is expanding its activity and investing in Tunisia. It has just launched the Microsoft card and thus officially becomes a Microsoft Distributor. This partnership allows it to offer its partners the most innovative solutions for businesses on all products such as Microsoft Cloud, Software Perpetual CSP, Software Subscription CSP or Microsoft Azure. SDT specializes in the distribution of software and equipment for network and computer storage as well as unified communication and security.

Also presenting at the summit, Barracuda Networks is the worldwide leader in Security, Application Delivery and Data Protection Solutions. During the event, they presented their product portfolio to Mindware Group Libyan partners further strengthening their position in a booming market. Barracuda’s security products include solutions for protection against email, web surfing, web hackers and instant messaging threats such as spam, spyware, trojans, and viruses.

Ashraf Gharib, Maroun El Hashem, and Ayda Barnat all thanked Mindware and Southcomp Distribution Tunisia teams on LinkedIn for hosting such a great and successful event. “Everyone was very happy finally getting back into face-to-face events and meetings with fellow colleagues across the business network.”

eHDF partners with 2CRSi to offer AI-as-a-Service within data center project in the Gulf Region

Dubaï, United Arab Emirates, October 2021: eHosting Datafort (eHDF), a pioneer in Cloud Infrastructure and Security Management Services in the Gulf region, and 2CRSi, designer and manufacturer of high-performance, energy-efficient IT solutions, have announced a major collaboration in the UAE.

eHDF, a part of the Midis Group, has been one of the pioneers in data center build-up and cloud infrastructure management services in the Gulf region since 2001. Their offering comprises a complete stack of managed services and managed security services to enterprise across various industry sectors.

As part of its development strategy, eHDF is planning to cater to high-density requirements in the Gulf Region to service its fast-growing customer base and the need to deploy AI-ready environments. With this new capacity, the goal is to offer cutting-edge, high-performance infrastructure, with a low carbon footprint.

In this context, eHDF joins hands with 2CRSi to present a green and energy-efficient datacenter strategy in the Gulf Region. Thanks to 2CRSi’s expertise, eHDF will benefit from the advanced cooling technologies in the sector and recognized efficiency in terms of energy consumption. With increased capacity, higher density and minimum environmental impact, this partnership will give a competitive edge to eHDF and 2CRSi customers globally.

“As a leading cloud service provider in the Middle East, eHDF is once again a pioneer in adopting green solutions in the region. We are very proud to partner eHDF and in turn be able to expand our service range to customers in the region. We are happy to work hand-in-hand with eHDF and we are looking forward to making this partnership a strong and lasting one”, says Alain Wilmouth, co-founder and chairman of 2CRSi.

“With the growing demand of Artificial Intelligence-powered platforms and high-density power requirement, eHDF is pleased to launch AI-as-a-Service, available on-demand, to be charged based on consumption, powered by a GPU & IPU platform, together with our strategic partner 2CRSi”, said Waleed Heloo, CEO of eHDF.

More about 2CRSi

Founded in Strasbourg (France), 2CRSi group develops, produces and sells customized, high-performance and environment-friendly servers. In the 2020/2021 financial year, the Group generated revenue of €163 million. The Group now has around 373 employees and markets its offer of innovative solutions (processing, storage, and network) in more than 50 countries. 2CRSi has been listed since June 2018 on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN Code: FR0013341781) and has been awarded the European Rising Tech label. For further information please visit: 2CRSi.com

More about eHDF

eHDF, a part of the Midis Group, is since 2001, one of the pioneers in Cloud Infrastructure Management Service Provider in the Gulf region. eHDF has an established Managed Services and Managed Security Services portfolio with a large customer base including Medium and Large enterprises. For further information please visit: www.ehdf.com

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium implements HiAware security solution for A1 Slovenija

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium recently partnered with startup Tech12 to develop the HiAware network-based cybersecurity solution for major telecoms provider, A1 Slovenija.

Mobile phones are highly exposed to a variety of cyber-attacks, which can affect the operation of the device or steal our personal and other data from it. A1 Slovenija, the leading private provider of comprehensive communication services in Slovenia, has found a new solution for its users.

The solution built is comprised of Hewlett Packard Enterprise hardware and a ‘white label’ cyber security software solution from startup Tech12, named the HiAware product. It provides security to users in a simple and state-of-the-art way by securing communication on all networks – mobile, fixed and even public WiFi.

With the new solution, they were able to offer their users a more advanced solution, embedded in an already existing service brand, A1 Protekt, achieving significant market impact and successfully protecting more than 100,000 users. A1 Protekt helped A1 Slovenia block almost 5 billion potentially harmful pieces of content that could endanger the devices of their users.

»We are thrilled that A1 Protekt is achieving steady monthly growth in the number of subscribers using our security solution. Our plan is to reach 40 % of A1 Slovenia user base and it looks very promising. We are especially pleased that reports of problems and requests for customer support have almost completely disappeared, which proves that the service provides flawless protection at the highest level of quality user experience«, said Barbara Puklavec, co-founder and CEO of Tech12.

For customers, there are several benefits of the new solution. A1 Protekt detects threats before they attack the user’s smartphone, and then warns the user about it. The HiAware solution itself protects against viruses, spyware, online scams and malicious web addresses. More specifically, it detects:

• Attempts to obtain personal information through fraudulent e-mails or websites (Phishing).
• Malware, the malicious software that executes and causes harm to the computer and its files. Known examples are extortion viruses and ‘Trojans’.
• Websites that display fraudulent advertisements that promise, for example, alleged profits or Spam sites.
• Hacked websites, which are used to distribute malicious software (Compromised sites).
• A network of robotic computers (Botnets), where a computer is used without the user’s knowledge to send spam, viruses or personal data.
• Mining or creating cryptocurrencies with a computer (Cryptomining). Criminals try to do this with your hardware and without your knowledge, which slows down computer performance and consumes electricity.

The HiAware solution is simple to install, it is activated with just one click and that is all that needs to be done for protection at every turn. Tech12’s near-future business cycle focuses on regional mobile and telecommunications operators and the start-up aims to become the world’s leading provider of next-generation security services for end users and IoT ecosystems.

Further development plans will aim to ensure that HiAware will be increasingly secure in the future. Security requirements in the mobile world are becoming more and more demanding, so the development of new functionalities is necessary.

»In addition to security requirements, HiAware’s new functionalities must also meet very demanding technical requirements, while at the same time giving protection providers a competitive advantage. The architecture and software provide security service providers with the ability to immediately ensure the safety of all their customers. The solution is designed so that it does not require expensive investments in equipment and terminal infrastructure compared to traditional providers« said Ante Moscatelli, co-author of the HiAware solution and co-founder of Tech12.

If you would like to learn more about the solution, contact info@selectium.com.

Introducing HPE Virtual Desktop Infrastructure through face-to-face partner event in Nigeria

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium recently partnered with Intel to host a one day workshop in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, introducing HPE Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. The event was held at Fraser Suites in the Central Business District of Abuja on Thursday, September 16th, 2021.

The event featured moderators from Intel, Rita Amuchienwa and Nathan Reddy, who presented ‘Embracing Workplace Evolution: HPE VDI.’ Other speakers included Nuno J. Martins, EMEA Director – AI Digital readiness Programs, Global Partnerships & Initiatives / Government, Markets & Trade , speaking on ‘Building an AI-Ready Generation.’

Babajide Lewis, Pre Sales Consultant – Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium, and Terae Onyeje from education technology specialists WOWBii, also presented to the attendees.

The first session, a Tax Management and Revenue Automation Systems workshop, was attended by public sector workers from The Court of Appeal, Nexim Bank, and the FCTA. In the second session, an Education Management Workshop, personnel from the Federal Fire Service, National Identity Management Commission, TETFUND Pensions Limited, Baze University, and Nile University were in attendance.

Over the years, HPE Technology has been in the forefront of designing ingenious solutions that simplify processes in tax and education management. For example, a recently deployed solution in the German healthcare sector required an application with high security and availability requirements, and thus needed an equally secure operating environment. To achieve this, ITSG, the operator of the complex application structure, involved HPE early in the required public tender process.

MDS PACC chosen as an ‘Outstanding Partner’ by Pelco

MDS PACC has been chosen as an ‘Outstanding Partner’ by US-based global security hardware and software solution specialist, Pelco. On their LinkedIn profile, MDS PACC thanked Pelco: “We are delighted to have been chosen as ‘Outstanding Partner’ by Pelco – the leading provider of ELV solutions in the UAE.”

More about Pelco

Pelco is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of predictive video security solutions, including video surveillance cameras, video management and recording systems, security software, and aligned services. The company was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Fresno, California.

More about MDS PACC

MDS PACC has been a premier IT solutions provider for 43 years, and is backed by one of the best service infrastructures in the region. Founded in 1978, MDS PACC is part of the Midis Group and comprises highly qualified employees and professionals. To meet the demands of a changing world, MDS PACC has been dynamic in its approach and has continuously updated its clients with the latest in technology. MDS PACC has offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to serve all its client base in the UAE.

Midis Tech-Talk at Gitex: Mindware withstanding challenges and growing with their ecosystem

At GITEX Global 2021 Mindware were prominent on video channels, in event-related print interviews and in award ceremonies. Much of the interest around this growing and successful group centered on ambitious plans to extend and increase the international reach of their distribution offer. This feature offers a chance to click through and read more about how this leading Distributor of top IT technologies expects to work with existing and new clients and partners across the MEA region.

Nicholas Argyrides, General Manager, Gulf, stressed the unusual nature of the challenges businesses have faced over the last two years when he spoke to TechX. “At Mindware, we have patiently and prudently been able to withstand these challenges – and even grow our business. We hope to utilize GITEX as a platform to listen, advise, guide, and support our channel partners in a similar manner, to ensure their business continuity. We also wish to assure our associates of our Company’s resilience and permanence as their value-add distribution partner in both the good as well as the challenging times.”

Read more of that interview here: https://techxmedia.com/mindware-to-put-business-continuity-into-the-spotlight-at-gitex-2021/

Silmi Khanfir, Director of Cloud and XaaS – Middle East and Africa at Mindware, revealed four new aspects in plan for 2022. One of which is “a new refreshed offering of professional services from consultancy, to implementation, to migration, to optimization of cloud environments – this is what we are adding to our portfolio of services. We are announcing, as well, a new support center to help our business partners address issues that their end-users have so that they can provide an end-to-end support structure.”

Read more of Silmi’s interview in Tahawultech.com: https://www.tahawultech.com/channel/mindware-staying-ahead-of-the-game/

When Arkan Saleh, Chief Operating Officer at Mindware spoke to CXODX at GITEX, he first stressed that Mindware had been keen to continue with their Digital Transformation agenda, begun in 2019, to spread and build business activity. Beyond that, Arkan talked about the development plan for the VAD in Africa: “So the expansion plan for 2022 is to consolidate our entities in Africa – to provide them with the proper support in order to expand our business there. Also we are working to add to our product portfolio some top technology vendors and to support these vendors for growth.”

Watch the full interview with Arkan Saleh here: https://youtu.be/x55NlaeNBJc

In a video interview with Tahawultech for GITEX, Fadi Matta, Mindware’s GM in KSA, reinforced the message of the value of being back face-to-face at GITEX, networking with customers and clients. Answering what technologies might drive innovation in 2022, Fadi said:

“As a matter of fact the pandemic era has indicated that remote connectivity, online sales, online trading, online communication – have become a necessity. Also, organizations have understood that budget cuts, the decrease of CapEx requirements, the increase in OPEX requirements, have pushed companies to take more and more information into the private cloud/public cloud, CSP subscriptions and so forth, so I believe cybersecurity, cloud, artificial intelligence are going to have a major role in fueling the innovations of 2022 onwards. I assure you that we, at Mindware, are fully ready for that. And we look forward to participating and supporting all these new technologies and new innovations for 2022 onwards as we go forward.”

Watch the full interview with Fadi Matta here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zx6cLv55xw

Mostafa Kabel, Solutions Director at Mindware was interviewed by Lynchpin Media at GITEX about the range of platforms and solutions that the group can deploy. “We are honored to participate this year with all the top players and vendors in the market. We are providing all the solutions that support infrastructure, network and software as well as cybersecurity and cloud… we are supporting all types of business from off-premises to on-premises, cloud, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud scale.”

Watch his interview here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lynchpin-media_gitextechnologyweek2021-gitexglobal-activity-6855764456765476865-bHMU

All in all, the Mindware presence at GITEX was extensive and from all the interviews there is a strong consensus that it was a successful event and – of course – great to be back with partners and customers alike.

Midis Tech-Talk at Gitex: interviews with key leaders at ESET, Barracuda and Ivanti

GITEX Global 2021 was a refreshing return to full face-to-face networking, where business deals were done and the shape of the digital future was very much on the agenda. In these videos, Husni Hammoud, Demes Strouthos, and Samer Hani talk about subjects critical to development and business success.

Husni Hammoud, Managing Director, Technetium, talks to Tahawultech about the opportunity GITEX offers to reinforce the importance of the cybersecurity industry. Check out Husni speaking to Tahawultech, below:

Demes Strouthos, General Manager, ESET Middle East, talked to Tahawultech about the ESET Protect portfolio, and how it has moved with the post-pandemic times, and also about GITEX itself.

“After COVID, companies had to change direction and to rethink the way they have been working. Security officers need to work on a ‘zero trust’ approach, which is the approach which does not allow anybody who is not authorized or authenticated to connect to our system. ESET is here of course to help people towards this direction.” Hear and see Demes interviewed below, also by Tahawultech:

Finally, Ivanti Regional Director, Samer Hani, was interviewed by CXO DX. After highlighting the importance of being present at GITEX, here he is explaining the solutions of focus for Ivanti and how it is enabling and securing digital transformation:

“Ivanti focuses on four major pillars… First we discover all the endpoints: servers, mobiles, laptops etc. irrelevant of the operating system. Then we manage them, secure those endpoints, and service them.” Catch the rest of the interview here:

iSTYLE opens 50th Apple Premium Reseller store in CEE as international network grows

October 2, 2021 saw the opening of a new iSTYLE Apple store in Sibiu, a well-known Romanian tourist destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. Located within Promenada Sibiu shopping center, the store is the 13th iSTYLE location in Romania and the 50th in Central Europe – consolidating iSTYLE as the regional leader for Apple monobrand shops, offering a best in class customer experience within the full Apple ecosystem in dedicated physical stores.

The new iSTYLE store, designed and arranged to the usual high-quality Apple standards, offers the public an area of over 55 square meters of hi-tech Apple products presentation, served by a team of certified specialists, ready to provide individual assistance to each visitor. iSTYLE Sibiu offers the traditional combination of Apple products including the best quality accessories and excellence in customer service, something which has become the popular brand’s slogan.

“Apple experts can’t wait to meet you! That’s the headline on our billboards in the city, and it is more than just a marketing slogan, it’s what we feel. We are pleased that, despite the unfavorable epidemiological situation, we are able to offer the people of Sibiu a very pleasant and easily accessible place to discover the Apple ecosystem in complete safety. Moreover, iSTYLE plans for 2021 do not end here; before the end of the year another store opening is planned,” said Valeriu Ion, General Manager of iSTYLE Retail in Romania, Bulgaria and Adria.

The opening of the store attracted many happy visitors who took advantage of special offers for a selection of products and enjoyed other surprises and gifts. Among the Apple products they were able to test were the recently released iPad models, including the sixth generation iPad mini, a technical marvel offering sensational performance in an extremely compact and attractive design, and the ninth generation iPad, a robust, versatile device at an extremely affordable price. In addition, customers were able to place pre-orders for the long-awaited iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models.

How it all started

iSTYLE CEE started in 2005 in Budapest with a street location on the Andrassy avenue 4. Since then, the company has grown to reach a significant milestone of 50 stores and 400 employees, covering nine countries across Central Europe.

“Back in 2005 and in the ensuing years, our core business was selling Macs, iPods and a limited selection of accessories. No iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch or AirPods. The main challenge was how to generate enough traffic and attract enough customers just with iPods; the Mac in 2005 was used by a limited number of businesses usually around graphic and design, and not by consumers,” said Georges Abboud, the iSTYLE leader at that time.

“So, to begin with, store profitability was a huge challenge. Think about it – all the innovative new products that came later represent today about 80% of our revenue. Even when the amazing iPhone was introduced, it was sold only through the phone carriers, making our job even more complicated.”

“Building a great customer experience was not so easy to achieve in the stores due to the limited resources and of course, online sales were non-existent. Our marketing was exclusively billboards and radios, and with the small budgets we had, the impact was negligible. Patience, the conviction we were doing the right things, the alignment with Apple, and the support of the Midis Group allowed us to go through the bad times and become a major retail, online and service partner for Apple,” Georges added.

Looking to the future

Csaba Gyarmati, Regional Manager for iSTYLE CEE tells more about the bright future now in prospect for the Group: “Our goal is to become the top omni-channel Apple Reseller in Central Eastern Europe. To reach this goal we aim to provide the best customer experience; we will increase our leadership with the number of Apple monobrand stores operated in the region, as well as acquire regional leadership in online sales of Apple products. We continuously work on improving our consumer offers, and our customer service to be our customers’ preferred local Apple Expert.”

“Premium monobrand retail has always been at the heart of the proposition for iSTYLE. Being close to our customers is important for us, and we continue to grow because they are happy, and keep on returning to our stores, our website and our service locations.”

“We keep on increasing our network of premium stores to reach all key locations in the region where Apple customers are looking for that premium experience and support. We have ambitious goals for the coming years,” said Csaba.