As the retailing landscape in Japan becomes increasingly competitive, U.S. clothing retailer Gap Inc. is gearing up to launch its long-awaited e-commerce site there and plans to bring its lower-priced Old Navy chain to the market, according to a company executive. The moves come as the U.S. apparel giant ramps up its presence in Asia, its next frontier for growth.

John Ermatinger, Gap's president of Asia Pacific, said during an interview that the company plans to open 11 stores this year in Hong Kong and China. The retailer dipped its toe in the lucrative Chinese market in November, opening four stores and launching its Chinese e-commerce site, and its first store in Hong Kong is set to open in October.

In Japan, Gap will open a four-level flagship store in the Ginza district in Tokyo on March 3. The store opening will be complete with an appearance by Avril Lavigne, whose Abbey Dawn fashion line did a denim collaboration with the company, reports Women’s Wear Daily.

The company is also in the process of creating an e-commerce site geared specifically toward a Japanese customer. Currently, its global site ships to Japan, but the new site would “be more Japan friendly and establish our own online community,” explained John Ermatinger, president of Gap’s Asia Pacific branch.

Gap Inc. is, furthermore, eyeing the country as a possible home for its Old Navy chain. “We see this market as having a terrific value component to it,” said Ermatinger. “It's probably the largest component of all apparel spending in Japan so we think [Old Navy is] just a natural.” (Wall Street Journal)