While US-based clothing retailer Gap announced last year that it will axe 21 per cent of its namesake stores in its home country, it still plans to pursue store network growth abroad.

Gap MD and COO Jeff Kirwan said that the company considers China a promising market. It already has four stores in Beijing and Shanghai and one in Hong Kong. Aiming to take a slice of the world’s second largest economy, it plans to open 30 more stores across China this year, taking the total to 35.

A latecomer in China, entering only in 2010, Gap says it will also bring its other brands Banana Republic and Old Navy to China if Gap goes well.

Gap, whose brand features classic American style, is not intimidated by newer and trendier brands like H&M and Uniqlo which are also tapping in China’s fast-growth. 

“For over 40 years, Gap has provided American style and celebrated creativity. We see these same values resonating as strongly with customers and employees in China as they do in our established markets,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president of Gap International.

GB