Inditex closes Bershka, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius operations in China

Inditex is set to shut down local e-commerce operations of its Bershka, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius brands in China, completing each brands' departure from the market.

The fast fashion chains will cease to operate online in the region, including through platforms such as Alibaba’s Tmall, where each brand had its own virtual flagship store. According to notices on the brands' Tmall flagships, customer service will remain available until 31 August 2022.

The closure follows the removal of the brands' physical stores in January this year, which completes the three chains' departure from Mainland China. However, the group's Zara, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti and Oysho brands will remain in the Chinese market.

Despite posting a 36% increase in global sales for its first fiscal quarter ending 30 April, Inditex noted that China was the only market that underperformed, with 67 stores closed during the period due to lockdowns.

Inditex, which currently operates a total of 279 shops in China, has continued to expand its retail network in the market. The Spanish retail giant said last year it had planned to close up to 1,200 smaller stores and focus on its larger flagships.

Zara recently opened two stores in Changsha and Chengdu, with each 32,291 sq ft space equipped with sophisticated retail technology and self-service cash registers.