Next Stop: Namibia

9th June, 2015

The launch of the Cotton On Group’s first store in Namibia has seen it propel into the fashion retailer’s top ten performing stores in a new country within its first few days of trade.

Shoppers eagerly waited for the doors to open at the Cotton On megastore, located in Windhoek’s The Grove Mall. The trend continued across the opening weekend with hundreds pouring into the store which, at 1000 square meters, gives customers access to a number of brands including Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Cotton On Kids and RUBI Shoes.

With the Group having already established a dominant position in the South African market since arriving there in 2011, expanding into Namibia, its second African country, was an obvious move.

“We have been very fortunate to have seen consistent growth and success in South Africa, with 120 stores to date and plans to continue expanding our presence there,” says Cotton On Global General Manager Felicity McGahan.

“It’s also critical that we continually look for new regions where we see strong potential for the Cotton On brand, and as Namibia borders South Africa, its retail market shares many similarities to that of its neighbour.”

Group Executive Property Rob Kenny says the success of the new country launch is testament to the hard work of the South African team who were responsible for driving the store’s planning and development.

“Utilising the local knowledge and insights of our people on the ground has been invaluable is tailoring the offering for our Namibian customers,” he says.

“The fantastic reaction the store has received in its first few days is a great result and extremely rewarding both for the South African team and the Group more broadly.”

The African market is considered by the Group to be one of its most exciting, with the region earmarked to play a critical part in the retailer’s growth strategy, including opening 570 new stores globally in the next three years.

South Africa Country Manager, Johan Van Wyk says the positive signs from Namibia confirm the business’ huge potential in the broader Sub-Sahara region.

“From day one, our African customers have demonstrated their love of our brands and our products and we feel confident that the demand will only grow,” he says.

“So we’ll certainly be looking for new opportunities to invest in the region and broaden our reach – the Group’s future here is very exciting.”