Women’s athletic apparel brand Athleta, a division of Gap Inc., announced that it's looking to open up to 40 new stores in 2022, including its first-ever outlet locations. Athleta’s outlet format will debut with a 3,100-plus-sq.-ft. store at Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Ill., this summer, followed by a 3,300-plus-sq.-ft. store at Leesburg Premium Outlets in Leesburg, Va., this fall, reports Chain Store Age.
In a release, Athleta president and CEO Mary Beth Laughton said the brand is investing in new access points to reach new customers as part of its long-term strategic growth plan. “Our new outlet stores are intentionally designed to stand out from traditional outlet and clearance store models, helping drive new customer acquisition and increased brand awareness for Athleta,” said Laughton. To date, Athleta has added 12 new stores in North America.
Athleta’s expansion plans also include Canada, where it plans to add four additional locations by the end of this year, reports CSA. “The Canadian market remains a strategic growth priority for Athleta and the Gap Inc. portfolio of brands,” the company stated.