American retailer Gap continues to expand its Old Navy brand overseas, opening its first store in China.
The new Old Navy store is located in Shanghai’s Nanjing West Rd and spans 2000sqm across three levels. It features elements from Old Navy’s US flagship stores such as the “Super Modelquins” and “Magic the Dog”, and interactive features such as touchscreen video games and game tables.
The company also launched a dedicated Old Navy e-commerce site simultaneous to the store opening, allowing customers across mainland China to shop the brand’s offerings from the comfort of their homes.
Entry into China follows Old Navy’s successful launch in Japan in 2012.
“At Old Navy, we’re about making current American fashion essentials accessible for every family,” said Stefan Larsson, global brand president, Old Navy.
“As we enter our 20th year, we’re excited to introduce our brand to more customers around the world and share our fun, energising and unique shopping environment.”
Gap says it will expand the brand to five stores across China by the end of the year.
Old Navy also plans to open about 25 additional stores this year in Japan, taking the store count in the country to approximately 43 by the end of 2014.
“With our China entry, continued growth in Canada and Japan and the launch of our franchise business in the Philippines next month, we are well positioned to grow our share of the global retail apparel market,” said Robert Frank, Old Navy’s EVP of international.
Launched in 1994, Old Navy operates more than 1000 stores in the US, Canada and Japan and has an e-commerce presence that serves customers in nearly 80 countries around the world.
