Bargain Shoppers Rejoice: Forever 21 Coming to Beijing

What long-awaited cheap-chic brand is finally debuting in Beijing early next year? We’ll give you a hint: They’ve been sued over 50 times for copyright infringement. (We wonder what’s taken them so long? Seems like they’d fit right in here. Heh.)

Bargain shoppers and fashionistas alike will be delighted to hear that Forever 21 has just announced plans to expand to Beijing. Already in South Korea, Singapore and Japan, the American clothing chain has now committed to opening a four-level 24,000 square foot space in Wangfujing’s APM Mall– its first store in mainland China, and a flagship at that – early next year, followed by stores in Hong Kong and Shanghai. (Our sources say January 2012, but our experience tells us to expect delays.) According to ImagesFashion.com, “The merchandise will be priced slightly higher in China than in the US,” but then again, that’s the case with all fast-fashion brands here.

Only a few of you may be aware that this isn't Forever 21’s first attempt at cracking the Chinese market. Two years ago, the internationally renowned retailer set up shop for the first time in Changshu, a city 70 kilometers away from Shanghai. It shut down shortly afterwards, a failure that most attributed to the remote location.

This time around, Forever 21 is employing a very different strategy. Its Beijing branch will be neighboring other tried-and-true retail behemoths like Gap, Zara, Nike Store and Uniqlo. We have a feeling that they'll do very well. Fingers crossed.

Photos: ImagesFashion.com, http://blog.forever21.com