El Corte Inglés strengthens Sfera, reaching 529 points of sale
What: El Corte Inglés's Sfera brand reaches 529 retail locations worldwide in 2024, with international markets accounting for 65% of its total presence.
Why it is important: The expansion showcases how traditional retailers can successfully scale their specialty retail concepts internationally through a mix of owned stores and franchise partnerships.
El Corte Inglés's fashion chain Sfera has achieved significant international expansion, reaching 529 points of sale by the end of 2024, marking a net increase of five locations from the previous year. The brand's global footprint now extends well beyond its Iberian home market, with 346 locations outside Spain and Portugal representing 65% of its total presence. Mexico stands as a strategic market with 57 company-owned stores, while other international markets are served through franchise partnerships, including 61 locations in Chile, 52 in Switzerland, 45 in Peru, and 42 in Thailand. In Spain, Sfera maintains 173 points of sale, comprising 103 standalone stores and 70 corners within El Corte Inglés department stores. The brand has demonstrated consistent growth over three consecutive years, expanding from 490 stores in 2022 to 524 in 2023, and reaching 529 in 2024. This expansion aligns with El Corte Inglés's broader strategic plan, which includes investments of over €3 billion through 2030 for store remodelling and business growth.
IADS Notes: Sfera's expansion success builds on El Corte Inglés's strategic transformation initiatives. In September 2024, the brand was highlighted as the group's most internationally present brand, operating in 17 countries through various retail formats. This growth aligns with the company's broader international strategy, evidenced by February 2025's €428 million investment in store renovations and the March 2025 creation of a dedicated Transformation Office. The successful expansion model combines directly operated stores in strategic markets like Mexico with franchise partnerships in emerging markets, demonstrating El Corte Inglés's ability to adapt its retail approach to different market conditions.
