Lululemon is accelerating its international expansion, announcing plans to enter six new global markets in 2026 through franchise partnership agreements — the largest number of market launches the brand has undertaken in a single year.
The athleisure retailer said it will launch in Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Romania next year through a partnership with Arion Retail Group, and will also enter India via its previously announced partnership with Tata CLiQ.
The expansion follows Lululemon’s entry into Italy this summer, along with recent franchised launches in Denmark, Turkey and Belgium.
The announcement comes days after the company disclosed that longtime CEO Calvin McDonald will step down effective Jan. 31, with interim leadership named as the board conducts a global search.
In the five European markets, customers will have access to Lululemon’s full product assortment online via lululemon.eu, while Indian consumers will be able to shop digitally through Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion marketplaces.
Related Story
“As we continue to see strong demand for the lululemon brand around the world, we’re thrilled to grow our presence and communities across Europe and Asia Pacific with entry into six new markets in 2026,” said Sarah Clark, senior vice president, EMEA, lululemon.
“Each of these markets offers exciting potential for our brand, and we look forward to working with our franchise partners to introduce our innovative products and engaging guest experiences to more consumers.”
Market expansion remains a core pillar of Lululemon’s long-term growth strategy. The brand currently operates in more than 30 markets globally, with an expanding footprint across North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific and China Mainland.
Lululemon said its community-first approach, centered on physical, mental and social wellbeing, will remain central to how it enters new markets through franchising.
Preparations for the 2026 launches will continue into next year, with additional details on store locations, opening timelines and local community activations to be announced in 2026.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
