China’s lucrative market is a fast growing attraction for most major global retailers – and American casual clothing brand Gap is one of them.

From four stores in 2010, the San Francisco-based retailer now has 14 across China. The latest additions are the newly opened shops in Huashan Rd and Nanjing Road E in Shanghai, taking the number of stores to seven and making the city its biggest market in China.

Seeing China as one of the most important markets globally, Gap CEO and VP Aina Konold said the present number of stores is expected to surge to 45 in fiscal year 2012, ending January 2013. It plans to open more stores in cities where it has established foothold including Hong Kong, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Gap’s rapid expansion in China has been fuelled by strong sales. During the grand opening in Hong Kong, Gap posted a global sales record while Beijing and Shanghai stores are rated amongst its top 10 best performers.

GB