These International Retailers Are Looking to the U.S.
International retailers are drooling over the opportunity in American retail. We’ve seen many fast-casual chains and grocery stores make headlines for making their way across the pond, and now retailers are following suit. Here are three retailers we’re betting are bound for disruption.
KidZania
Self-described as an “experimental learning center” the retailer is “capitalizing on the global trend of educational entertainment, KidZania will establish new ventures in Dallas and Chicago, building on an existing network of locations in 24 major cities worldwide,” according to their press release.
“‘At KidZania, we offer the ideal environment for kids to learn about a host of occupations and careers, all while building skills like teamwork, trust and financial responsibility,” said Keith Rubenstein, acting CEO of KidZania USA. “We look forward to bringing this innovative learning experience to families and educators in Dallas and Chicago and expanding to around 20 other major cities in the near future.’ The KidZania model is built around ‘mini-cities’ that allow children to role-play in more than 100 occupations and professions – 100 real-life professions, from board member to baker and doctor to truck driver. Each KidZania is tailored to the city in which it resides, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles and a self-contained economy fueled by a currency called ‘kidZos.’” To read the complete release, click here.
Bershka
Racked described Bershka as the “cheaper, younger Zara.” Bershka opened their first location in America, an 8,000 square foot pop-up shop in New York City in October 2017. “Special elements of the store include leading initiatives to be as eco-efficient as possible, guided by the LEED sustainable building criteria. Additionally, within the store, the Bershka STAGE store image has guided all of the furniture and decoration designs. The layout has been similarly adapted for the store space specifically and with the US consumer in mind, offering the trendiest current looks, complete with accessories and footwear,” said the press release.
With it’s big sister company Zara making #46 on Forbes most valuable brands list, it’s safe to say that this trailer is destined for continued growth.
Primark
Primark is a low-cost clothing and accessories company headquartered in Dublin that’s planning a massive expansion in the America. Here’s what they had to say in the announcement on their website:
“After 46 years of success in Europe, UK, and Ireland, It’s time for us to spread our fashionable wings and fly across the ‘pond’ to the good old U.S. of A. We’re making our American debut in Boston and so here’s the lowdown; the new store measures 77,000 square-feet and is situated on the site of the old Filene’s department store in Downtown Crossing, opening on September 10th. Inside you can find the Editor’s Picks from our American partners Refinery29, products exclusive to the US, and all of your usual Primark favorites.” But, that’s not all. Primark has 7 more store openings planned over the next two years!