Uruguay strengthens its role as a prime destination for worldwide retail brands

In recent years, Uruguay has become a point of interest for several international retail brands, marking a growing trend of foreign investments in the country.

This phenomenon reflects investors’ confidence in the Uruguayan market and offers local consumers various shopping options.

One of the most recent additions is Kiabi, the well-known French fashion brand, which, with an investment of US$ 2 million, opened its first store in the Car One premises. This 1,100 m² space is the first of a projected five stores in Uruguay, with plans to expand later in the region.

Naterial, also of French origin, announced opening four stores in Uruguay with a total investment of US$ 8 million, planned to be completed in 2024. The first store, costing US$ 5 million and a space of 1,500 m², has opened its doors in La Barra de Maldonado, offering 600 items in its Design, Natural, and Classic lines.

The Argentine chain Farmacity entered the Uruguayan market through IBF Negocios. Meanwhile, UNOde50, the prestigious Spanish jewelry brand, chose Uruguay to debut in South America, opening stores at strategic points in Punta del Este. Viasono opened a store in Punta del Este, offering a new gastronomic proposal that includes coffee and wine. Papanatas launched its first store in Uruguay, with an investment of between US$ 150,000 and US$ 200,000, and plans to expand with more branches in Montevideo and other cities.

The arrival of American Eagle, managed by Grupo David, represents a significant investment with plans to open five stores in three years.

Topper and Las Zapas increased their presence in the Uruguayan market with significant investments and the opening of new stores. Decathlon doubled its surface area and planned an ambitious expansion, including new stores in Montevideo and Punta del Este and exploring international markets.

Among the international brands that have chosen Uruguay as a destination for expansion, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger stand out for their notable entry into the Uruguayan market. Together with the Panamanian American Sportswear Group (ASW), which manages both brands for the region, these firms have established points of sale that reinforce their presence and legacy in the country. While Tommy Hilfiger continues to strengthen its iconic presence in Punta del Este, Calvin Klein has recently opened a 180 m² store in Punta Carretas Shopping, marking an important milestone in its expansion.

H&M, Gocco, Grupo Disco, Tienda Inglesa, Mumuso, The Candle Shop, and Iplace are other brands that have bet on Uruguay, demonstrating the diversity and dynamism of the retail sector in the country. These investments generate employment and boost the local economy. They also position Uruguay as an attractive destination for international brands, reaffirming its potential as an emerging market in the region.

Find out more in the Retail report prepared by the Competitive Intelligence Management of Uruguay XXI here.