European cities are the preferred new destination for international retailer expansion, attracting 43 per cent of new retail brands in 2016, up from 36 per cent on the previous year.
This is attributed to European retailers redirecting their focus on expansion in their home continent rather than in locations with expensive currencies. On a city level, Hong Kong has retained its position as the world’s most popular destination for retailer expansion in 2016 attracting 87 new retailers.

Hong Kong is closely followed by London which has witnessed the second highest presence of new retailer entrants, with a total of 65 international retailers opening stores in London for the first time in 2016. London is followed by Dubai who welcomed 59 new entrants. Doha moved up six places from last year’s new entrants ranking to take fourth place with 58 new retail brands and Tokyo being the fifth most sought after market with 48 new entrants to make up the top five most targeted retail cities globally.

Paris has jumped to seventh place attracting 36 new retailers as the French capital continues to attract international retailers due to its strong tourism market and stable economy. About 33 per cent of the new retailers to Paris are specialist clothing retailers.