Global expansion is often presented as a simple story. A successful brand identifies a new market, opens stores, and grows. The reality is usually far more complex. The latest move by Mango in Italy is a good example of how some of the world’s most successful retailers continue to rely on local partnerships to accelerate…
For years, many observers viewed Lululemon as a North American success story. Today, it is becoming something much bigger. Over the past few months, the Canadian athleisure giant has quietly revealed a series of expansion moves that provide a fascinating look into how modern premium brands enter new markets. First came Greece. Then Mexico. And…
Most retailers would be pleased to announce plans for 20 new stores. Sports Direct is talking about hundreds. Over the past 18 months, the brand has quietly launched one of the most ambitious international expansion programmes in global retail. First came the announcement that Frasers Group would work with MAP Active to open more than…
Global quick-service restaurant giant Jollibee Foods Corporation continues to accelerate its North American growth strategy — and experienced multi-unit franchise operators are paying close attention. Recent reports show the brand advancing aggressively toward a long-term target of 500 restaurants across North America, supported by new development agreements, expanding franchise pipelines, and growing interest from sophisticated…
Overview Wendy’s has reached 100 restaurants in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in its Southeast Asian expansion. The company is now targeting: This is a measured, multi-year rollout, not a short-term surge. What This Expansion Actually Represents This milestone is not just about store count. It reflects: The Philippines has historically been one of…
Overview Lawson is a leading convenience retail operator originating from Japan, with 18,000+ stores across Japan and selected Asian markets. The business operates on a franchise-led model domestically, supported by centralized logistics, procurement, and store systems. Internationally, expansion is controlled and partner-driven, not broadly accessible. Franchise Model Lawson’s structure is closer to an operating partnership…
What’s actually happening? Starbucks is planning to open 150–175 new stores in 2026 in the U.S., as part of a wider global rollout of hundreds of additional locations. So yes — expansion is moving again. More stores.Refined formats.Stronger focus on experience and efficiency. Naturally, this brings up the question: Can you franchise Starbucks? The honest…
So what’s really going on? IKEA is planning to open 25 new stores across India over the next five years. That’s a big move. More cities.New store formats.Stronger online + offline integration. From the outside, it looks like a massive expansion wave. Naturally, a lot of people start asking: “Can I franchise IKEA in India…
Carrefour is pushing further into Africa, and this time it’s targeting two very different — but equally strategic — markets. The French retail giant has signed new franchise agreements in Guinea and Nigeria, continuing a steady expansion across the continent as it works toward a much bigger goal: becoming the largest food retailer in Africa.…