C&A wants to open 100 new stores in Europe

Over the next three years, C&A plans to open 100 new stores in Europe, mainly in city centres. The retailer hopes its renewed store concept will inspire customers.

“Less mass, more fashion”

Carsten Horn outlined C&A’s expansion plans to German news agency DPA, saying he sees opportunities mainly in countries such as Romania, Poland and Italy – but also plans store openings in Hamburg, Berlin and the eastern part of Germany. By 2024, the retailer will open branches in Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan and Paris. C&A currently has 1,300 stores in seventeen countries, including nearly 400 in Germany.

The fashion chain prefers city-centre locations, Horn says, and counts on its new shop concept. “We have strengthened the brand and looked at what customers are looking for with us. Customers do not want six floors of masses of textiles; they want to be inspired while shopping and discover new outfits. Less mass on clothes racks, more stage for fashion.”

The retailer has already modernised two-thirds of its storefronts and tightened its range, appealing to a wide audience. Both older customers coming to buy a six-pack of socks and boutique customers buying cashmere jumpers are found at C&A stores: “Ideally, we attract both: need and inspiration customers”, Horn concludes.