Marlite announces the acquisition of Global Design Services (GDS) in Miami, Fl. GDS, established in 2000 by Martha Reyes, provides master planning, retail store design and branding to the cosmetics, clothing and footwear, jewelry and duty-free industry.
With a very strong presence in Latin America, GDS offers Marlite inroads into new markets. The acquisition better positions Marlite to be a full systems and solutions provider to chains of all types. GDS also gives Marlite expanded capabilities in interior design, project management, graphic design, purchasing and manufacturing.
“For generations, our core competency has centered on helping chains of all types expand and re-image,” says John Popa, Marlite president and CEO. “Acquiring GDS strengthens us to be a complete retail solutions provider.”
GDS has transitioned into Marlite’s operation center in Miami, FL, where the company has added nearly 25,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space.
Marlite, founded in 1932, manufactures retail merchandising and designer wall systems featuring a wide variety of materials and finishes. The company is headquartered in Dover, Ohio and has operation centers in Miami, Fl., Grand Prairie, Texas and Santa Fe Springs, Calif.