Abercrombie & Fitch (New Albany, Ohio) has entered into a franchise agreement with Grupo Axo (Mexico City) to launch the first Hollister and A&F stores in Mexico. The first Hollister is expected to open next spring, with an Abercrombie & Fitch to follow in the summer. The partnership will launch stores in the markets of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, although specific locations have not yet been chosen, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
The Grupo Axo contract represents A&F’s first franchise agreement. The company operates 834 stores in the U.S. and 166 in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East; and more than 200 freestanding stores in Mexico as well as 2000 points of sale in Mexican department stores. Its partners include U.S. brands Brooks Brothers, Chaps, Coach, Express, Guess, Loft, Kate Spade NY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret.