Continuing with its international growth strategy, Gap Inc. announced its further expansion in Latin America. Leveraging its franchise model, the company plans to open its first stores in South America in Chile this month as well as introduce Gap and Banana Republic stores to Panama and Colombia in 2012.
“We are thrilled to be opening our first stores in South America. Taking our brands to another continent reflects the success and flexibility of our franchise model, which allows us to quickly expand our reach to customers around the world,” said Stephen Sunnucks, President, International, Gap Inc. “We believe substantial opportunity exists in Latin America and our first stores in Chile, Panama and Colombia will allow us to establish a foundation for further growth in this region.”
Gap Inc. first made its products available to consumers in Chile, Panama and Colombia last year through its international online shipping provider. Stores in these countries will house products from Gap, GapKids and babyGap and Banana Republic's affordable luxury apparel and accessories for men and women.
Gap Inc. is focused on growing its share of the $1.4 trillion global apparel market. Over the last five years, the company has grown its franchise store base to about 200, expanded to 29 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Australia and Africa and currently has franchise agreements in place to bring its brands to 33 countries on 6 continents. In fiscal year 2011 alone, Gap Inc. plans to open franchise locations in about 10 new countries and expects to double its franchise stores to 400 by fiscal year 2014.
Chile Under Gap Inc.'s existing franchise agreement with Komax, the first Gap store in Chile will open in Santiago on October 14 in the Parque Arauco Mall. A second Gap store will open in the country in Concepcion at the Plaza Trebol Shopping Center in November. “Chile is a great match for Gap brand's aesthetic and target customer. With a nearly $6 billion apparel & footwear market, a retail sector that makes up 9.4% of the country's GDP, and a proven customer base interested in American style and brands, Chile represents a natural extension for our brands,” said Stefan Laban, managing director of strategic alliances for Gap Inc.
Panama Gap Inc. has signed a new agreement with Superior Retail Inc. to bring Gap and Banana Republic to Panama. The company plans to open the first stores in Panama City, the country's capital, in January 2012. Panama's economy is among the fastest growing and best managed in Latin America. With a high rate of tourism and a rapidly growing demand for international retail brands, Panama provides an ideal environment in which to introduce Gap Inc.'s brands.
Colombia As part of the new agreement with Superior Retail Inc., the first Gap and Banana Republic stores in Colombia are expected to open in the capital city of Bogota inlate 2012. Colombia has the second largest population in South America (46 million people) and has one of the highest rates of economic growth in Latin America. These characteristics, combined with a high level of brand awareness for Gap and Banana Republic, provides an excellent platform to bring both brands to the market.
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