Gap opens first stores in Costa Rica, Cyprus

American apparel and accessories brand Gap Inc., through franchise, is entering the markets of Costa Rica and Cyprus.

The company opened a franchise store in Costa Rica in October and is planning to open its first store in Cyprus in November 2013.

Gap plans to open a second location in Costa Rica’s Lincoln Plaza in Moravia but refused to disclose a definite date yet.

Gap has over 1,650 stores worldwide, 300 of which are franchise.

Lebanon-based fashion retail group Azadea Group Holding has acquired franchise rights for Cyprus and will open a new store in a mall in the second largest city Lemesos.

The new Gap store will feature its latest Fall 2013 collection.

For the past few years Gap has been implementing its global expansion strategy. Within the past few years Gap opened its first stores in China and Italy.

Azadea Group Holding operated more than 50 leading franchise brands in Europe, North Africa,  the Middle East and Asia. 

Gap owns the famous brands Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Piperlime and the newly-acquired Intermix.