// Gym+Coffee snare One Direction member Niall Horan as an investor
// The “significant partnership” will aim to help increase the athleisure retailer’s profile globally
// Gym+Coffee is also setting sights on a UK expansion drive
Gym+Coffee has announced that One Direction’s Niall Horan has become an investor, in a move that will help raise the profile of the athleisure retailer internationally.
The Irish retailer added that Horan’s investment was a “significant partnership”.
Launched in Ireland in 2017, Gym+Coffee is looking to capitalise on the recent athleisure boom, with predictions the sector would be worth $500 billion globally by the end of next year – compared to $300 billion in 2018.
Gym+Coffee recently restarted its UK retail expansion drive with new “clubhouse” stores following the initial opening at Westfield London last year.
It now has plans to open more shops this year.
Irish rugby player Brian O’Driscoll is also an investor in the retailer, and celebrity fans include the likes of Joe Wicks and Niall Breslin.
“I’ve been a fan of Gym+Coffee for some time both as a brand and a business,” Horan said.
“I love the idea of the community they created around the brand and their goals to Make Life Richer.
“The first time I bought some Gym+Coffee gear I was struck by the high quality of the clothing and I was delighted to see they were an Irish brand with a serious team behind their operation.
“As I looked into it more, I started to understand their ambition and I’m delighted now to become part of the team that will hopefully bring the brand to a wider audience.”
Gym+Coffee chief executive Niall Horgan said: “Over the last 10 years Niall [Horan] has represented Ireland with optimism, inclusivity, energy and positivity on a global stage and has become a household name across the world.
“He is what we aspire to become as a business. We hope that with his guidance and direction Gym+Coffee can emulate some of the success he’s had and proudly represent Ireland internationally.”
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