Adidas, has launched the adidas Retail University

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New Delhi, May 16, 2007 - Adidas, the innovator in sports performance, recently launched the adidas Retail University (aRU), a comprehensive and multi-tier training program aimed at developing a generation of world class retail professionals in India.

Based on a globally successful retail training program, aRU is a pan India training initiative with the objective of training all front end sales staff, thereby equipping them with the adequate knowledge and skills to deliver a first class shopping experience to consumers at adidas exclusive stores. Adidas products are available in approximately 200 exclusive stores throughout India and in more than 70 cities.

Retail expansion is of strategic importance for the continued rapid growth and consumer acceptance of the adidas brand in India. As more and more international brands are entering the Indian market, Indian consumers have rising expectations when it comes to the shopping experience that brands provide. adidas has recognized this trend by providing retail training to franchisees and store staff for also in the past. With the aRU, adidas aims to take its retail efforts to the highest level of professionalism and excellence.

Several hundred staff at various locations in India will follow a structured training process covering topics such as customer service, selling skills, visual merchandising and shop management. The objective is simply to set the industry standard in customer service at retail. adidas regularly benchmarks its ability to deliver a first class shopping experience through independent research.

Confident and service minded store staff are also critical to managing store profitability, an area of continuous focus for adidas India and its franchisees. Speaking on the launch of aRU, Mr. Andreas Gellner, Managing Director- adidas India said, "Our ability to delight the thousands of consumers that visit adidas exclusive stores daily across India is becoming one the biggest differentiator for the adidas brand. We have always been known for superior product quality and innovation - now we want our stores to be known for consistently providing the best shopping experience. I have no doubt that delighted customers are the key to adidas' short and long term success and to continuous improvements in store profitability. With the adidas Retail University, the adidas brand is further demonstrating its ability and intention to lead the sporting and casual goods industry in India."