Ever since opening its first KIABI in Qormi, Malta, seven years ago, then a second one in Burmarrad in 2016, and a third one at The Point Mall in 2020, the brand hit Malta by storm. Continuing with their international expansion Hudson is now ready to take this brand to another Mediterranean country with great potential – Cyprus. Plans are for a new KIABI store to open in Larnaca, Cyprus in summer 2021.
Speaking about this exciting development, Retail Operations Director Malta and KIABI Brand Manager Ritianne Grech explained how Hudson is delighted to extend its footprint to another territory. “Ever since introducing the brand in Malta, it was a great success, and we are now looking to project a similar performance overseas, starting with Cyprus”.
The Cypriots exhibit great similarities to the Maltese in terms of culture and temperament, whilst the climate is also very similar. “The weather in Malta, similarly to other Mediterranean countries, is very particular and does not progress through the whole four seasons but switches from Summer to Winter very suddenly. We also sometimes experience two different seasons within one day!” explained Ms Grech whilst adding, “As a buying team we are therefore very sensitive to this reality and choose the right product based on this”. This knowledge together with Hudson’s experience on KIABI as a brand, will therefore extend within the Cyprus market.
The first 1500 sqm Kiabi store in Cyprus opened within the brand new 40,000 sqm Metropolis Mall in Larnaca.
Situated in the “heart” of Larnaca, Metropolis Mall has direct access off the main roads that connect Larnaca to Nicosia, the main airport, as well as pedestrian and bicycle paths.
With over 130 shops, including a supermarket, major fashion retailers, branded and independent shops, services, cinemas, entertainment, modern restaurants and cafes, kids play areas and free WiFi in the plans, this mall is set to be Larnaca’s ultimate lifestyle and shopping metropolis.
Cyprus, just like Malta, is English-speaking and this similarity is sure to support the day-to-day operations within the country.
KIABI has built its success on trendy and affordable collections for the whole family. The fashion label displays the latest collections for men, women, and children, as well as maternity and plus-size lines, clothes for babies and toddlers, lingerie, and accessories, with new stock renewed weekly.
KIABI has over 500 outlets in 15 countries worldwide, including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Morocco. The brand was founded in Lille, France in 1978 based on a simple concept: to produce fashion to suit all tastes and budgets. With this concept, Kiabi says it revolutionised the world of textile retailing at the end of the 1970s.
Hudson is a retailer and distributor of great fashion and sport brands including Nike, Intersport, Ted Baker, River Island, Urban Jungle, Urban Bratz and more. With 3 offices in Morocco, Algeria and Nigeria it also strongly present in Africa, where amongst other brands it retails and distributes NIKE in over 23 countries.
Visit www.hudson.com.mt
