ALEF, one of the biggest bookstore chains in Egypt, with 30 branches and 20 points of sale in gas stations, has opened a store at 219 Baker St. in London, Daily News Egypt reported. Company general manager Rahmy said London was the ideal choice for ALEF's first international branch: "A study was made three years ago comparing international expansion options. This study concluded that England, Germany and Saudi Arabia are on top of our expansion choices.... After agreeing on the location, we spent exactly one year and a half in market study, location selection, team selection, operations and logistics."
