The GAP clothing chain will open its first store in Panama in late February.
Monday, February 20, 2012
This opening in the new phase of Albrook Mall, marks the start of expansion into Central America and the Caribbean.
The company plans to open two more stores this year in Panama, one in Metromall and one in Multiplaza.
"Paul Levy, president of Superior Brands Holding, the exclusive representative for Gap in Panama, Central America, the Caribbean and the North Cone of South America says that this expansion also involves the entrance of the sister brand, Banana Republic, which is characterized as an accessible luxury brand. Both brands will be coming to Colombia and Costa Rica. "
The American clothing and accessories brand Banana Republic opened its first store on Avenida Escazú and has a 300 square meter customer service area.
AR Holdings, administrator of the franchise, reported that this is the first of several stores that the conglomerate plans to open in the coming years in the region, specifically in Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
In Costa Rica, AR Retail company plans to invest $6.2 million in the next few years to start up nine stores in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
The company's plan to commercialize the brands GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy, is to launch the first two stores in 2019, another three in 2020 and the remaining four in the following years.
At least twelve international clothing brands have announce the opening of stores in the country.
ETA Fashion, an Ecuadorian chain of department stores, Express, a north American brand of clothing and accessories for men and women, the Spanish franchise selling children's clothing Gocco, the Brazilian store Hering and the brand of Colombian menswear Arturo Calle, are some of new brands entering the Costa Rican market.
Cueros Vélez, a production company making leather goods, will invest $8 million in its regional expansion program.
The company plans to enter Panama and Venezuela, which will open its own stores, and the Dominican Republic, where it will implement a franchising model.
As reported by prensa.com, each store represents an investment of about $200,000, and the company plans to enter the United States before 2013.
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