% Arabica Plans Paris Comeback in 2024: Multiple Stores on the Horizon

10 Oct, 2023

% Arabica Plans Paris Comeback in 2024: Multiple Stores on the Horizon

In 2024, % Arabica, the Japanese specialty coffee chain, is set to make a comeback in the French market, starting with the opening of several stores in Paris. This move marks the beginning of the brand's European expansion plans, which include establishing a presence in Germany, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, and Spain.

% Arabica initially entered France in 2019, with two stores in Paris, eventually expanding to three locations in the market before temporarily exiting in 2022. The brand recently announced its return to France on social media, stating, "2024 will be the year when % Arabica will restart in France. First, we will open several stores in Paris, and then we will expand to other parts of France. We love sharing our coffee with you ."

Currently, out of % Arabica's 163 global stores, only four are located in Europe, all of which are in London, UK. However, following a franchise agreement signed with premium retail group SOHO Middle East in July 2023, the chain is gearing up to enter as many as eight European markets within the next 12-24 months.

In addition to France, SOHO Middle East has plans to introduce % Arabica stores in Germany, Portugal, and Greece, with discussions underway regarding potential expansion into the Netherlands.

The % Arabica website also indicates upcoming market entries in Hungary, Spain, and Turkey, with Budapest and Barcelona expected to welcome % Arabica stores in 2024.

Established in Kyoto, Japan, in 2014, % Arabica currently operates in 23 countries, boasting 70 stores in China and a growing presence across the Middle East, where it has established 41 outlets across seven markets.