Express Plans More International Stores

Brand manager WHP Global (New York) has announced plans for the further overseas expansion of the Express brand. WHP recently signed long-term licensing deals to bring the apparel brand to new markets, including Indonesia with PT MAP and Paraguay with Kemsa, and the brand’s presence in Mexico with IB Group, a new anchor retail partner in the territory.

In addition, WHP Global entered into a license agreement with existing Express international partner Fastco to grow the brand’s retail footprint in Central America by opening four new Express retail flagship stores in as-yet-undisclosed locations through 2026.

“Bringing the Express brand into new and emerging markets is our first major move for the brand since entering into a strategic partnership with Express earlier this year to scale the iconic fashion brand and expand its international reach,” said Yehuda Shmidman, Chairman and CEO of WHP, whose other holdings include Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud and Toys “R” Us. “We are excited to bring on a strong network of best-in-class retail companies in these key markets as we embark on the next chapter in the evolution of the Express brand.”

Express launched in 1980 and currently has around 530 Express retail and Express Factory Outlet stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.