Page 42 - #184 September 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE - EXPANSION & FRANCHISING

Mumbai, India
An Industry without Borders

Retail is a truly global industry where the possibilities are endless for the companies who are looking to
take their offer across the world. In this article, RLI zones in on the topics of expansion and franchising and
highlights a group of companies who are leading the way in this sector as it continues to grow and evolve.

o matter the size of a company, whether it is a multi-billion- Training Club and Nike Run Club apps, as well as local sports content.
dollar global behemoth or a small business just starting out, Nike Aventura will also feature The Sport Hub, where shoppers can
Ninternational expansion and franchising are challenging and return items, pick up their online purchases, scan items for product
difficult processes. From trying to learn and adapt to new markets, to information and use their SNKRS Pass. The retailer also has Rise stores in
taking the reins off and letting someone else run one a store under your Seoul, South Korea and London after testing the concept in Guangzhou
banner, understanding these concepts can go a long way to letting your back in 2020.
business flourish. With the right strategies and approach, expansion and A leading powerhouse in the fashion and lifestyle industry, Apparel
franchising can be a doorway to exceptional opportunities and growth. Group caters to thousands of eager shoppers through its more than
The ’20 Companies that have Successfully Expanded Internationally’ 2,000 retail stores and 80 brands across its platforms. Through its
article by Nataly Kelly, she explains that companies around the world expansion, the company has created an omni-channel experience and
that have successfully expanded internationally have also shown the operates brands who originate from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia
value of building strong brand images, cultivating customer loyalty and and Asia. Since its inception, the business has created a strong presence
creating personalised experiences. Furthermore, they have emphasised across the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to the market in
the importance of having a clear vision and strategy for international locations such as India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand,
growth, as well as the ability to adapt and pivot when necessary. Malaysia, Pakistan and Egypt. In addition, clear strategies are in place to
Founded 83 years ago in San Bernardino, California, McDonald’s enter emerging markets such as Hungary and the Philippines.
is an American multinational fast-food chain that is possibly the most Leading multinational clothing company Inditex, which is headquartered
recognisable brands on the planet. It is also the world’s largest chain in Spain, last year opened stores in 33 markets as it continues its global
of restaurants with over 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Its expansion drive. The group remained very active in store optimisation
international expansion began in 1967 with a site in Canada and it activities (201 openings, 186 refurbishments which included 94
continues today, recently opening its ‘restaurant of the future’ flagship upsizing’s and 349 absorptions). At the end of FY2022, Inditex operated
unit in Dubai, UAE. Moving with the times, the new site in Dubai 5,815 stores. Whilst remaining very active in store optimisation and
features an all-female team and focuses on energy-saving technology digitalisation, they continue to see strong growth opportunities in
incorporating solar power, electric vehicle charging points and energy- markets around the world.
saving facilities. One of the largest technology companies on the planet, Apple,
Nike has begun the pursuit of its next stage of expansion with the continues to increase its physical store presence by focusing on design
launch of its first ‘Rise’ store in North America. Opened in Aventura and creating products that resonate with its consumers around the
Mall in Miami, the new concept features Sport Pulse, a digital storytelling world. The company is planning to expand its Apple store efforts by
platform that has become a feature of Rise stores. The screens display introducing a number of new retail locations worldwide and overhauling
local sports, city and athlete data, including from the retailer’s Nike several stores in the US. There are 15 new stores coming to the Asia-