The Athlete's Foot (Norcross, Ga.) has announced plans to expand into Sweden and the Middle East.
According to parent company NexCen Brands Inc. (New York), the retailer has signed a master franchise agreement for the development of a minimum of 10 stores in Sweden. The first Swedish TAF store opened in Malmo in July 2007, marking TAF's entry into its ninth European market.
“The opening of The Athlete's Foot in Sweden represents the power of the TAF brand on a global scale,” said NexCen president and ceo Robert D'Loren. “This master franchise agreement speaks to the type of relationships we plan to build around the world. The developers are community entrepreneurs who have already invested locally in Malmo with great success, and are now a part of our team helping to grow the brand in new markets.”
The retailer also announced its first store in the nation of Qatar, its 33rd TAF location in the Middle East.
“Providing franchisees with best-in-class marketing and operational resources builds brand loyalty and encourages multi-unit investment,” said D’Loren, “which, in turn, helps our franchisees bring the TAF brand experience to consumers in local communities around the world.”