Fashion retailer Topshop is to launch in South Africa as the company continues its international expansion strategy, it has been announced today.
South African retailers Edcon and House of Busby have secured the exclusive franchise rights in the country for both Topshop and Topman which will bring the total number of countries that the Arcadia-owned companies operate in to 37.
Sir Philip Green, owner of Arcadia Group Ltd, said he was delighted to be launching the brands in South Africa.
“This represents another step in our continued international growth, and I am confident that the South African customers will enjoy the retail experience and fantastic product offer that both our brands will deliver for them,” Green added.
With the first of three stores set to open in Sandton City in November, rollout will initially be through stand-alone stores which will feature women‘s and menswear collections, though a second store has also been confirmed to open in the Gateway shopping centre by year‘s end.
Future rollouts are planned across the country in major retailing centres which aim to complement shop-in-shops exclusively within key Edgars‘ department stores.
Last month, it was announced that both labels were launching concessions within US department store Nordstrom offering limited-edition merchandise including an exclusive selection on Nordstrom‘s website and this latest move aims to entice fashion conscious South African shoppers.
David Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer, Trading & Managing Director for Topman said: “We are very pleased to be opening our first official Topman franchise store in Johannesburg.
“There is obviously a demand in the South African market for the brand due to the fantastic response of our recent temporary pop-up store in Cape Town. South Africa‘s vibrant and growing fashion scene make this a natural and relevant next step for us.”
