Spanish textile group Inditex expands in Asia

The Spanish textile group Inditex, which markets the Zara clothing brand, will set up operations in Seoul, South Korea, to boost growth, the company announced in February. The group wants to see Asia account for 15 percent of its sales by 2009, up from 8.9 percent in 2006. Inditex opened an outlet in China in 2007, and plans its first outlets in Ukraine, Egypt and Montenegro over the next year. The Zara brand has spread its high-fashion/low-cost brand message far and wide by strategically opening stores in heavily trafficked, high-end retail areas. It also owns more than 90 percent of its more than 650 outlets, giving Inditex more control over marketing strategy.