Athleta Announces Entry Into Canada
Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) brand Athleta is set to expand into Canada, marking its first company-owned venture outside the U.S. E-commerce will launch in late summer 2021, followed by retail stores in Yorkdale and Park Royal later in the fall. Athleta aims to open 20-30 stores annually, targeting $2 billion in net sales by 2023 after surpassing $1 billion in 2020 with 16% annual growth. E-commerce is a significant focus, representing 60% of U.S. sales, with plans to fulfill Canadian orders from its Brampton distribution center.
- International expansion into Canada represents a significant growth opportunity.
- Plans to open 20-30 stores annually bolster market presence.
- E-commerce launch aligns with rising online shopping trends.
- Achieved over $1 billion in net sales with 16% annual growth in 2020.
- None.
Today, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) brand Athleta, announced it will enter Canada later this year, marking the performance lifestyle brand’s first company owned expansion outside the United States. Athleta plans to launch e-commerce late this summer followed by opening retail stores at Yorkdale Shopping Center in North York, Ontario and Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver, British Columbia in fall 2021.
Rendering of upcoming Athleta store in Canada; Athleta announced it will launch e-commerce and open two stores in Canada, marking the performance lifestyle brand’s first company-owned expansion outside the United States. (Graphic: Business Wire)
The brand plans to open between 20 and 30 stores a year, adding to its existing profitable fleet of over 200 stores across the United States. Athleta stores remain top customer acquisition and brand awareness vehicles and are a key component of the growth and future of the brand. New entry points, including wholesale partnerships and international expansion through franchise and company operated stores, are strategic steps towards growing the brand to two billion dollars in net sales by 2023. In 2020, Athleta surpassed one billion dollars in net sales and had
“International expansion is a key component of our growth strategy to reach two billion dollars in net sales by 2023, and we are very proud to introduce Athleta to customers in Canada,” said Mary Beth Laughton, President and CEO, Athleta. “As a purpose-driven brand, we are excited to expand our community of empowered and confident women and girls to Canada and bring them a differentiated and inclusive offering in the performance lifestyle category.”
Athleta will also launch an e-commerce site in Canada, making its assortment of sustainable, inclusive, versatile product available to all Canadian consumers. Product will be fulfilled by the Gap Inc. Distribution Center in Brampton, Ontario, eliminating international taxes and lengthy shipping times for Canada-based consumers. E-commerce in Canada is fast-growing, and the pandemic further accelerated the channel’s growth. Additionally, Athleta experienced double-digit online growth in the U.S. last year, and
As a customer-led brand, Athleta conducted extensive research to understand the behaviors of the Canadian consumer. The findings support customer demand for a purpose-driven performance lifestyle brand. Athleta's differentiated brand focus on wellness, sustainability and inclusivity coupled w
FAQ
What is Athleta's expansion plan in Canada for 2021?
How many stores does Athleta plan to open annually?
What were Athleta's net sales in 2020?
What is Athleta's sales target for 2023?
How significant is e-commerce for Athleta's business?
