Athleta, owned by Gap Inc., launched e-commerce in Canada. Athleta first announced its expansion into Canada in April as part of its growth plan to reach $2 billion in net sales by 2023.
Athleta will open its first two Canadian company-operated stores this fall at Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver, British Columbia and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
“As a purpose-driven brand, we’re thrilled to launch our Athleta e-commerce site in Canada today and begin building a community of empowered women and girls across the country,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO, Athleta. “As part of our strategic growth plan to double net sales by 2023, Athleta is committed to investing in new access points to reach new customers, and our entry into Canada marks our first company-operated model outside the U.S.”
Athleta said e-commerce in Canada has been fast-growing over the last two years and the pandemic had further accelerated the channel’s growth. The women’s activewear category has grown 18 percent versus the overall market at negative 1.8 percent and its total women’s online market grew 29.5 percent with women’s activewear online sales growth of 46.7 percent.
Product orders will be fulfilled by the Gap Inc. distribution center in Brampton, Ontario, eliminating international taxes and lengthy shipping times for Canada-based consumers. Athleta will offer free standard shipping on all orders over $50 anywhere in Canada.
Photo courtesy Athleta
