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New Balance marks its Thai comeback, unveiling its first flagship store at Central World with Indonesian partner MAP Active Adiperkasa. The "We Got Now" concept store reasserts its commitment to premium athletic wear. Concurrently, New York's Foot Locker inaugurates its debut store in Siam Center, amplifying its Southeast Asian footprint.
The impressive New Balance store occupies an area of over 233 sqm, earning the distinction of being Thailand's largest establishment for the brand. This remarkable feat comes after New Balance closed all its stores in the country due to a contract expiration with its previous importer and distributor, CRC Sports. The re-entry into the Thai market is a testament to the brand's commitment to offering high-quality athletic footwear and apparel.
Meanwhile, Foot Locker, the renowned New York-based athletic specialty retailer, has also chosen to make its mark in Thailand. Targeting the youthful demographic and seeking to invigorate the sports shoe and sneaker market, Foot Locker recently celebrated the opening of its first store in the Siam Center.
Spanning an impressive 1,321 square meters, the retail space solidifies Foot Locker's 33rd store in Southeast Asia and reinforces its strong presence in the Philippines and Singapore.
Deepak Tomar, the country general manager and director of MAP Active Adiperkasa, the official licensee for Foot Locker in Thailand, shared his excitement about the new venture. Tomar believes that Thailand's sportswear, sneakers, and lifestyle clothing market, valued at 30 billion baht, will continue its steady growth.
With consumers eagerly re-engaging in group activities, sports, and live sporting events in the post-pandemic era, the demand for top-quality gear from leading brands is rising. This, coupled with the enduring popularity of streetwear and a vibrant youth community, presents a promising opportunity for Foot Locker to launch its innovative Power Store concept - a flagship store format aimed at connecting with the brand's dedicated fanbase.
Photo: @felipepelaquim/Unsplash
