Gap Inc. announced last week that it plans to expand into India in the coming year. The company is partnering with Arvind Limited-operated Arvind Lifestyle Brand Limited, one of India’s largest textile companies, for the development of the stores.
The retailer’s first stores in the country will be located in Mumbai and Delhi, selling the brand’s 2015 summer collections for adults, kids and babies. Gap plans to open roughly 40 additional stores in India in the future.
Gap has been sourcing products from India for decades and the country is home to the retailer’s P.A.C.E. (personal advancement and career enhancement) program, which has provided technical training to female garment workers since 2007.
Steve Sunnucks, global president of Gap, said, “India is an emerging, vibrant market and an important next step in our global expansion strategy. Gap is loved around the world for our American casual style and enduring value and quality, and we are so pleased to bring our brand and products to life for customers in India.”
The expansion into India will broaden Gap’s already massive global presence to nearly 50 countries.