Gap has partnered with Arvind Lifestyle Brand Limited, a subsidiary of Arvind Limited, which is one of India’s largest textile companies, to expand its presence in India through franchise-operated Gap brand stores in 2015.
The first stores are expected to open in India’s two largest cities – Mumbai and Delhi – starting with Gap’s Summer 2015 collection for adults, kids and babies. The plan is to open about 40 franchise-operated Gap stores in India.
“India is an emerging, vibrant market and an important next step in our global expansion strategy,” said Steve Sunnucks, Global President of Gap.
“More than half of India’s population is under 25 and they are actively embracing fashion in today’s retail environment,” added Ismail Seyis, Vice President of Gap Global Franchise.
Since launching its first franchise-operated store in 2006, Gap has quickly expanded the international reach of its brands, which now includes almost 400 franchise-operated stores along with about 3,200 company-owned stores.
The Gap brand also has a presence in nearly 50 countries, due to its global expansion strategy.