Indonesian multi-brand retailer Mitra Adiperkasa is planning a foray into Sri Lanka, attracted by the opening economy and a growing middle class.
Mitra Adiperkasa (MAPI) describes itself as a lifestyle retailer in its home market with retail businesses in the clothing, sportsgoods and toy categories as well as operating department stores, cafés and restaurants. It boasts 1900 stores, selling more than 150 brands and employs more than 23,000 people in 65 cities.
MAPI operates Starbucks cafes across Indonesia and has the national Zara rights, among others.
The Sri Lankan move was not announced by the company, instead revealed by Jatinder Biala, outgoing president of the Sri Lanka and Indonesia Business Council who identified MAPI as one of a group of Indonesian businesses interested in making the most of the opportunities opening up in the island nation.
“They have already taken steps to promote their products in Sri Lanka,” Biala told a local newspaper. “Very soon they are opening a subsidiary in Sri Lanka.”