IKEA Expands U.S. Manufacturing Amid Rising Tariffs and Supply Chain Strategy Shift 
The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Trump’s U.S. Open Visit Delays Final, Fans Face Long Security Lines 
GM Issues Recall for 2026 Chevrolet Silverado Trucks Over Missing Owner Manuals 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Visa to Move European Headquarters to London’s Canary Wharf 
Trump Set to Announce Washington D.C. as Host of 2027 NFL Draft 
Tesla Faces 19% Drop in UK Registrations as Competition Intensifies 
Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up? 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
New Balance marks its Thai comeback, unveiling its first flagship store at Central World with Indonesian partner MAP Active Adiperkasa. The "We Got Now" concept store reasserts its commitment to premium athletic wear. Concurrently, New York's Foot Locker inaugurates its debut store in Siam Center, amplifying its Southeast Asian footprint.
The impressive New Balance store occupies an area of over 233 sqm, earning the distinction of being Thailand's largest establishment for the brand. This remarkable feat comes after New Balance closed all its stores in the country due to a contract expiration with its previous importer and distributor, CRC Sports. The re-entry into the Thai market is a testament to the brand's commitment to offering high-quality athletic footwear and apparel.
Meanwhile, Foot Locker, the renowned New York-based athletic specialty retailer, has also chosen to make its mark in Thailand. Targeting the youthful demographic and seeking to invigorate the sports shoe and sneaker market, Foot Locker recently celebrated the opening of its first store in the Siam Center.
Spanning an impressive 1,321 square meters, the retail space solidifies Foot Locker's 33rd store in Southeast Asia and reinforces its strong presence in the Philippines and Singapore.
Deepak Tomar, the country general manager and director of MAP Active Adiperkasa, the official licensee for Foot Locker in Thailand, shared his excitement about the new venture. Tomar believes that Thailand's sportswear, sneakers, and lifestyle clothing market, valued at 30 billion baht, will continue its steady growth.
With consumers eagerly re-engaging in group activities, sports, and live sporting events in the post-pandemic era, the demand for top-quality gear from leading brands is rising. This, coupled with the enduring popularity of streetwear and a vibrant youth community, presents a promising opportunity for Foot Locker to launch its innovative Power Store concept - a flagship store format aimed at connecting with the brand's dedicated fanbase.
Photo: @felipepelaquim/Unsplash
