Israeli investor Haim Sakal to open Abercrombie and Fitch stores in India and Russia

American retailer’s stores to be operated through franchisees. Two weeks ago, Sakal opened three Abercrombie & Fitch Brand Factory shops in Israel

Haim Sakal is planning to duplicate the concept of Abercrombie & Fitch stores in Israel – A&F Brand Factory Store – in Russia and India, Calcalist has learned.

Furthermore, he will operate the stores through franchisees rather than through the Sakal chain.

Sakal holds the franchise for Abercrombie & Fitch in Russia, South Africa and Eastern Europe, and currently distributes the company’s products in wholesale in these countries.

Two weeks ago, Sakal opened the first three A&F Brand Factory stores in Israel. Calcalist has learned that he plans to open seven more stores in the near future.

Abercrombie & Fitch denied any connection to the stores in Israel, claiming they were not official brand stores; however, sources in the shopping mall sector claim that Sakal, which holds an Abercrombie & Fitch’s franchise through Sakal Holdings, has an agreement with the American retailer, which allows it to open A&F Brand stores under the Israeli concept that includes clearance stock and new collections.

As reported by Calcalist, Abercrombie & Fitch representatives were present at the opening of the three stores in Israel to oversee the arrangement of the collection in the stores. The company’s representatives are expected to accompany the opening of the seven planned stores as well.

Calcalist has learned that the Israeli concept is a first-of-its-kind pilot conducted by Abercrombie & Fitch, which – if successful – will be launched in other countries as well.