Following years of speculation, it is confirmed Zara plans to open a store in South Africa in the second half of 2011.  |
Contrary to rumours that the location of the first Zara store in South Africa will be in Sandton City, Inditex spokesman, Raúl Estradera Vázquez, says the location is as yet not confirmed. "The election of South Africa as a future market for Inditex is based on opportunities for growth," says Vázquez, " we think we can have this in South Africa, where there is a customer profile - people sensitive to fashion trends - that fits with Zara's offer." He continued to say Zara will carry a collection designed for the Southern Hemisphere that is in line with offerings in Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. The opening in South Africa is part of a massive global roll-out for the Spanish-owned company. Early 2010, Deputy Chairman and CEO, Mr Pablo Isla, announced Iniditex had plans to increase its global footprint by between 8% and 10% a year through 2012, and to be present in more than 80 countries by that date. In May last year, a store was opened in Delhi, India with a second planned for Mumbai. At the start of this year, current Chairman and founder of Inditex, Amancio Ortega, announced he would be stepping down and suggested Mr Isla take his place. Written by Emma Jordan | |
