Gap’s first store in China has opened today as the US retailer begins its assault on the lucrative Chinese market.

The 1,140sqm flagship store on Mid Huaihai Road, one of Shanghai’s premier shopping high streets, is the first of four that will open across the country in the next few weeks.

All four stores, two in Shanghai and two in Beijing, will house all Gap collections: Gap, GapKids, baby gap and Gap Body.

An online retail store is also launching today, at www.gap.cn.

Gap China president Redmond Yeung said: “Gap is the first American retailer in China to offer a single style destination for the entire family.  We are excited to introduce Gap’s cool, modern American designs to Chinese consumers.”

Moving into China, the world’s most populous country, is a cornerstone of Gap’s global expansion strategy with more stores planned across the country.