Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (New Albany, Ohio) is planning a substantial expansion into China beginning with the opening of its first flagship store in Shanghai last weekend. According to Columbus Business First, Abercrombie’s senior v.p. of marketing Craig Brommers says China represents the largest growth market for the brand, and A&F could launch more than 100 of its namesake stores as well as its Hollister brand stores in the country over the next 10 years. The company already operates seven mall stores in China.
The four-story flagship store is in the city’s Jing’an district, a major commercial area with shopping, dining and hotels. The district is heavily trafficked by locals and tourists.