Japanese-founded coffee chain % Arabica has opened its first store in Taiwan, as part of an energetic expansion strategy in Asia.
The small store – which follows the brand’s trademark simple, clean approach to design – is located on Elephant Mountain in Taipei. It features white interiors with contrasting red brick detail. An open-glass storefront allows visitors to peer into the space, where they can watch coffee being brewed and browse merchandise displayed on shelves.
% Arabica was established by Kenneth Shoji in 2014 and quickly expanded in Japan and then around the globe. In Asia, it has stores in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
The company plans to open its first store in Vietnam with a local partner, which will be located inside the city’s renowned Cafe Apartments building on Nguyen Hue Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
% Arabica expanded its presence in the US, opening its first store in New York in June last year.
Recently, Lucky Ace International, the exclusive franchise holder of % Arabica in Greater China, is looking to raise approximately US$300 million to fund expansion in the region.
