The French clothing chain Kiabi will officially land in Argentina with a projected investment of US$20 million and a growth plan that includes the opening of up to 20 stores over the next five years, in another sign of the renewed interest of international companies in developing operations in the local market.
The first store will open its doors on Tuesday, August 11, at Florida 313, in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. The establishment will have an area of approximately 1,500 square meters and will feature the complete range of the company, including clothing for women, men, children, and babies, as well as a line of home products.
Kiabi Branch
The launch will be led by Grupo One, the holding company formed by Manuel Antelo, Pedro Aguirre Saravia, and Sabine Mulliez, who were also behind Decathlon's return to the country and are working on bringing other foreign companies.
The initial goal is to open around ten branches over the next two to three years, before moving towards a network of about 20 establishments. According to the reported projections, the expansion program will create approximately 300 direct jobs and another 100 indirect jobs.
The second opening has already been confirmed for Portal Rosario and will take place before the end of 2026. The store will have an estimated area of 1,200 square meters and will mark the beginning of the brand's expansion into the interior of the country.
Founded in France in 1978, the company built its business model around a proposal for affordable clothing for the whole family. Currently, it operates 648 points of sale in 37 countries, employs around 10,000 people, and records an annual turnover of approximately 2.5 billion euros.
Kiabi branch
The inauguration will include family activities, special discounts, instant photographs, keychain personalization, and proposals for children. However, the big news lies in the magnitude of the project: a company with a global presence will begin operating in Argentina with investments, new jobs, and a long-term growth strategy.
The arrival of Kiabi thus adds to the expansion of various international firms that are once again looking at the country as a market with opportunities, accompanied by greater trade openness and an economic scenario that seeks to regain the necessary predictability to attract investments.
