An Australian retailer has opened headquarters overseas as it prepares to take on the world.
Local giant Cotton On Group has launched its Asia headquarters in Singapore today, cementing the company's commitment to Singapore as the cornerstone of its operations in the region.
The retailer has previously signalled its intention to open several hundred stores across the Asian region within the next five years, with the new Singapore head office to be central to its global expansion blueprint.
Currently, the Cotton On Group operates more than 1300 stores across nine brands in 16 countries , with 160 of these doors throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Commenting on the launch of the Singapore head office, Cotton On Group CEO Michael Hardwick said it is a positive step forward for the company and its global strategy.
“We’re thrilled to have had the support of the Singapore Government and the Economic Development Board as we continue to focus our energies on identifying new retail growth opportunities in the region that will best service our customers in Asia,” he said.
“Singapore is a market rich in talented, innovative, forward thinking individuals. As consumers, Singaporeans value design, they are ahead of the global curve, retail savvy and are driven by trends that move as quickly as we at we do.”
Singapore EDB Director Consumer Businesses, Ms. Kow Ree Na added that the Cotton On Group has a bright future in Asia.
“The Cotton On Group is one of the world’s fastest growing retail groups and ranks amongst Australia‘s largest retail groups. We are heartened by the group’s decision to establish their Asia headquarters in Singapore, which is a significant milestone for the industry. Cotton On has identified Singapore as a key location to develop its next generation of retail talent, building key capabilities such as brand management, marketing and merchandising.
“By leveraging Singapore’s ready pool of skilled professionals and ecosystem of partners in branding, marketing, supply chain management, and IT solutions, the G\group is well positioned to capture even more growth opportunities in the Asian market.”