DeFacto plans to expand into 2 new continents this year.

DeFacto CEO İhsan Ateş stated that DeFacto operates in 93 countries across 5 continents, adding, ‘In the 100th year of our Republic, we will be present in 100 countries and open 100 new stores. We are also entering 2 new continents: Australia and South America.’

DeFacto CEO İhsan Ateş, in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), highlighted that their paths crossed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as a result of their global-scale growth, culminating in a partnership agreement.

Ateş stated, ‘The EBRD partners with institutions that not only have strong financial structures but also prioritize sustainability. This investment demonstrates the confidence they have in our company and our growth potential, while also adding value to our brand with their vision of sustainable development.’

Explaining that the EBRD is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, Ateş shared, ‘They invested 1.1 billion TRY in our company, acquiring a minority stake. Undoubtedly, this partnership is not only significant for us but also an important step for the entire retail sector. It is one of the most tangible indicators of the long-standing success of DeFacto’s globalization efforts.’

“100 COUNTRIES ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC”

Ateş emphasized that DeFacto is a global fashion brand operating in 93 countries across five continents. He added, ‘On the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we will be present in 100 countries and open 100 new stores. This year, we are also entering two new continents: Australia and South America.’

Looking further ahead, Ateş stated, ‘By 2027, we aim to be present in 180 countries. Our growth target for this year is in triple digits. Our goal is to achieve exponential growth while always focusing on making our customers fall in love with us. In 2022, we more than doubled our growth compared to the previous year and entered 11 new countries.’

“SUSTAINABILITY AS A SHARED PRIORITY”

Ateş emphasized the shared importance of sustainability between DeFacto and the EBRD, saying, ‘This year, 35% of our production will consist of sustainable products. Our goal is to reach 90% by 2023 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.’

GLOBALIZATION PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EBRD

DeFacto and EBRD officially partnered in a signing ceremony held at the EBRD Istanbul Office, attended by DeFacto executives and EBRD representatives. EBRD’s investment of 1.1 billion TRY will accelerate DeFacto’s globalization efforts and enhance its sustainable development vision.

Ateş noted, ‘With this partnership, we will further accelerate our overseas growth momentum, and by 2027, we aim to be in 180 countries.’ He expressed gratitude to all DeFacto employees and partners who have contributed to the company’s success thus far.

FOCUSING ON NEW MARKETS

In 2022, DeFacto expanded into 11 new countries, including opening its first stores in Turkmenistan, Cameroon, and Congo. The company also started sales in countries such as Indonesia, Chile, India, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, and South Africa through marketplace collaborations.

Ateş added, ‘In 2023, we plan to open stores in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Algeria, Angola, Rwanda, and Mauritius. In South America, we have formed significant partnerships across the continent. Starting with Mexico, we expanded to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. By mid-2023, we aim to strengthen our maturity in South America, with Colombia and Peru as our new focus countries. In the first quarter of 2023, we will also launch operations in Australia through the continent’s leading online sales platforms.’

“A BRAND WITH A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY”

DeFacto plans to become a “climate-positive” brand by 2050. Ateş shared, ‘By 2030, we aim for 90% of our collections to be sustainable and are investing in innovations to achieve this goal. Through our inclusive, diverse, and sustainability-focused business model, we aspire to be a globally recognized brand.’

EBRD SUPPORTING TURKISH COMPANIES

EBRD Turkey Vice President Hande Işlak emphasized the importance of strengthening Turkey’s capital markets and supporting initiatives that enhance diversity. Işlak said, ‘This partnership with DeFacto is a significant step. DeFacto has the potential to be an inspiring example for both the sector and the country. As the EBRD, we are delighted to support this investment, which will strengthen the company’s policies on equality and inclusivity during its journey.’

She added, ‘The EBRD has invested close to 17 billion euros in Turkey to date. Turkey remains a key operational country for us, and we will continue to support its private sector, focusing on green and inclusive projects to bolster its economy.’