2023 Is Our Breakthrough Year
“2023 will be our breakthrough year; we will achieve triple-digit growth.”
DeFacto took a significant step in its globalization drive by joining forces with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Highlighting that this investment is one of the most concrete indicators of the confidence in DeFacto and the brand’s growth potential, DeFacto CEO İhsan Ateş stated, ‘We will continue our growth in 2023. On the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we will be present in 100 countries.’
DeFacto has made a significant move in its globalization efforts by partnering with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Highlighting that this investment is a strong indicator of confidence in DeFacto and the brand’s growth potential, CEO İhsan Ateş stated, ‘We will continue our growth in 2023 and, in honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we will be present in 100 countries.’
“INVESTED APPROXIMATELY 650 MILLION TRY IN 2022”
Emphasizing that this partnership is not only significant for DeFacto but also for the entire retail sector, Ateş noted that EBRD’s sustainable development vision will add value to the brand during its globalization drive. He explained, ‘This partnership will set a visionary example for the Turkish ready-to-wear and textile sectors in maintaining and advancing global competitiveness. By joining forces with the EBRD, we aim to increase our overseas revenue to 70% within the next five years. The EBRD’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity aligns with the core values of DeFacto. Our founding philosophy and values are rooted in eco-conscious production, protecting natural resources, valuing people, and maintaining a sensitive and transparent stance on societal issues.’
In 2022, DeFacto more than doubled its growth compared to the previous year and made significant investments, totaling approximately 650 million TRY. The company exceeded 15 billion TRY in sales revenue both domestically and internationally. New markets were entered, store numbers were increased, and e-commerce growth was sustained. Ateş added, ‘This global success led to our collaboration with the EBRD. This partnership will act as a catalyst to accelerate the implementation of our mid- and long-term plans. Our goal is to leverage this capital to invest in diverse markets and increase our overseas revenue to 70% within five years.’
“100 COUNTRIES ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC”
In 2022, DeFacto entered 11 new countries, opening its first stores in Turkmenistan, Cameroon, and Congo, while also starting sales in Indonesia, Chile, India, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, and South Africa through marketplace partnerships. In South America, significant collaborations were established with Mercado Libre, known as the Amazon of South America, and Dafiti, the largest fashion platform in the region. Expanding its journey from Mexico to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, DeFacto is preparing to open stores in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Algeria, Angola, Rwanda, and Mauritius in 2023. New focus markets for the year include Colombia and Peru, while operations will begin in Australia in the first quarter.
Ateş remarked, ‘By 2023, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic with remarkable growth, increasing the number of countries we operate in to 100 and opening 100 new stores. We will triple our efficiency through a transformation project called “Jump,” focusing on customer obsession, data-driven strategies, and agility. We aim for triple-digit growth in 2023 and plan to be present in 180 countries within the next five years, positioning DeFacto as one of the leading global brands representing Turkey abroad. Our mission is to offer customers more than they pay for.’
“ADVANCING IN LINE WITH UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS”
As a global brand, DeFacto prioritizes the planet’s future in all business processes, focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable production. The company’s R&D efforts for production processes are designed to make DeFacto a climate-positive brand by 2050, achieving net zero carbon emissions. Ateş stated, ‘This year, 35% of our production will consist of sustainable materials. With our vegan leather collection, we have implemented a pioneering initiative in the sector. We adhere to a sustainability approach based on the UN Global Compact, being one of the first two brands in our sector to sign it. We are also a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we strive to innovate, ensuring that 90% of our collections will be sustainable by 2030. Our sustainable models made from recycled materials minimize raw material production, water, energy, and natural resource consumption.’
DeFacto has declared 2023 the ‘Year of Minimalism’ with the theme ‘less is more.’
“AIMING TO OPERATE IN 100 COUNTRIES”
‘We aim to be present in 180 countries within the next five years, becoming one of the leading global brands representing our country abroad.’
INVESTING FOR A GREEN AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE
On January 19, the EBRD acquired a minority stake in DeFacto, one of the world’s leading financial institutions established through a partnership of the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and 64 countries. The EBRD has been investing in Turkey since 2009, focusing on developing projects with green principles in institutions with significant potential in Turkey.