Express 2010 Annual Report Download - page 11

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We opened 23 new stores in 2010 – the most new stores we
have opened in a single year in over 15 years. This included
our first store in Puerto Rico as well as an evolution of our store
design at Northpark in Dallas. In addition, we entered into
agreements for our first seven locations in Canada. These
Company-owned stores will open in 2011 and mark our first foray
into operating outside the United States without a franchise
partner. As we have shared before, we believe there is the
potential to open 150 stores over the next five years in the United
States and Canada, and I am excited about the progress we are
making.
Internationally, we have made great progress with our stores that
have been opened in the Middle East through a development
agreement with Alshaya. In 2010, we opened 3 new stores
bringing our store count to 7 in the Middle East. We continue to
be pleased with the performance of our international stores and
are exploring opportunities for further expansion in several key
regions across the globe.
Finally, I have the pleasure of working every single day with one
of the most seasoned and tenured Executive Committees in the
industry and beyond. And we all have the pleasure of working
with the more than 16,000 talented Associates of Express from
around the country. Together, this team is what has made and
will continue to make Express a great company that I am so very
proud and honored to be a part of.
On the surface, there is much to be proud of in terms of our
accomplishments in 2010, but we know that our focus must be
on what is ahead. Even with 30 years of history behind us, this
brand is at the very beginning of realizing its greatest potential.
And I have never been more excited about the future.
On behalf of all of our Associates and our Board of Directors, I
thank you for your continued belief in the potential of Express.
Most sincerely,
Michael Weiss
President & Chief Executive Officer
THE EXPRESS GUY
Living life right where the action
is, the Express guy’s signature
style is smart casual with an edge.
He’s as tech savvy as he is fashion
forward and has a secret love
for the latest version of anything.
He is a downtown scene straight
talker who walks the fine line
between messy-on-purpose and
no-thinking-required cool. His
style mantra: women, whiskey
and wayfarers make the best
accessories.