Karaca, a brand boasting a well-established 50-year history, has opened its second store at Westfield London, the largest shopping mall in Europe, after successfully establishing its first store in Islington Square, a popular shopping location in the UK capital.
The leading Turkish home and lifestyle brand, Karaca, has opened its second UK store at Westfield London, Europe’s largest shopping centre. This move marks a significant step in the brand’s global expansion strategy following the success of its inaugural store in London’s Islington Square.
Founded in 1973, Karaca has evolved into a household name in Türkiye and is known for its diverse array of products, which currently number more than 28,000. The brand has been instrumental in helping to revolutionise the home and lifestyle industry with its innovative and high-quality offerings, which include kitchen essentials and tableware to small household appliances and elegant home accessories.
Among its standout products is the Fine Pearl Collection, the world’s first and only dinner set made from real pearls, which is a perfect example of Karaca’s commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Strategic investment in the UK marks the start of global market expansion
Karaca’s international presence spans 48 countries with 305 stores and more than 2,000 sales points and is testimony to its enduring legacy and popularity. The company’s expansion into the UK market is a strategic move to cement its position as a leader in the global market.
Cihangir Çetintırnak, Country Director of Karaca UK, remarked, “After a solid history of 50 years, our vision is to establish ourselves as one of the top three brands in our category not just in Europe and America, but across the world. The opening of our second store in Westfield London is a crucial milestone in achieving our 2030 vision. Following the success of our Islington Square store and our growing presence in the UK e-commerce market, we are enthusiastic about using the UK market as a springboard for expanding our global presence.”
Strengthening UK-Türkiye trade relations for a new era of economic partnership
The expansion of Karaca in the UK aligns with the broader context of burgeoning trade relations between the United Kingdom and Türkiye.
The UK government has recently initiated a call for input with a view to establishing a new, modernised free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye. This FTA aims to supersede the existing agreement, which is based on outdated provisions from the 1990s and limited to goods trading only.
The new FTA will be more encompassing, covering new sectors, such as technical and digital services, so as to serve more effectively the needs of the 21st-century economy. The growing volume in trade, which reached a figure of £26 billion in the 12 months leading up to June 2023, further highlights Türkiye’s role as one of the top 20 trading partners for the UK.
Karaca’s growth in the UK market is a reflection of this blossoming economic relationship. The updated FTA is expected to create more opportunities for Turkish companies to establish and expand their presence in London and across the UK, fostering a dynamic business environment and enhancing cultural exchange.
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