Australian and South American Market
DeFacto aims to enter the Australian and South American markets this year.
DeFacto Aims to Be in 100 Countries by the 100th Anniversary of the Republic
DeFacto CEO İhsan Ateş highlighted the company’s significant achievements, stating, “DeFacto currently operates in 93 countries across five continents. By 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.”
Strategic Partnership with EBRD
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ateş explained that the company’s global growth path led to a partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). “The EBRD works with organizations that prioritize strong financials and sustainability. This investment reflects their confidence in our company and growth potential while adding value to our brand with their sustainable development vision,” Ateş remarked.
The EBRD invested 1.1 billion TRY, acquiring a minority stake in DeFacto. Ateş emphasized, “This partnership is not only significant for us but also for the retail sector as a whole. It is a testament to the long-standing success of DeFacto’s globalization journey.”
Ambitious Growth Targets for 2023 and Beyond
Looking to the future, Ateş stated, “By 2027, we aim to be present in 180 countries. Our growth target for this year is triple digits. In 2022, we doubled our growth compared to the previous year and entered 11 new countries. With the strength of our EBRD partnership, we will accelerate our international expansion and aim to achieve 70% of our revenue from overseas markets.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Ateş also highlighted the shared sustainability priorities between DeFacto and the EBRD. “This year, 35% of our production will consist of sustainable products. By 2030, we aim to make 90% of our collections sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint by 55%. By 2050, we will achieve net zero emissions and become climate positive,” he said.
DeFacto’s Global Footprint
In 2022, DeFacto expanded into 11 new countries, including Turkmenistan, Cameroon, and Congo, and began sales through marketplace collaborations in Indonesia, Chile, India, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, and South Africa. For 2023, the company plans to open stores in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Algeria, Angola, Rwanda, and Mauritius. Focus countries include Colombia and Peru, while operations in Australia will begin through leading online sales platforms in the first quarter.
Advancing Gender Equality
As the first Turkish retail company to sign the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in 2015, DeFacto continues to promote gender equality. Ateş highlighted that 60% of their workforce consists of women, with female managers now making up 43% of leadership roles.
Vision for the Future
“We are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. By combining these principles with strategic investments, we will solidify our position as a globally recognized brand,” Ateş concluded.
EBRD Vice President Hande Işlak reaffirmed the importance of their partnership with DeFacto, stating, “This collaboration not only supports DeFacto but also serves as a significant investment for the retail sector. We see immense potential in Turkish companies and will continue to support them through sustainable and inclusive projects.”