Welcome to Hungary, lululemon!

Photo: lululemon

lululemon today announced plans to expand its international presence in 2026 with six new market entries – a record number for the brand in a single year – through its new franchise partnership model agreements. lululemon plans to launch in Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Romania next year with partner Arion, in addition to its previously announced entry into India through a partnership with Tata CLiQ.

These partnerships will bring lululemon’s innovative athletic and lifestyle apparel and accessories to new and existing guests across Europe and Asia Pacific and provide high performance product offerings that are designed to support a wide range of activities including yoga, running, training, tennis, and golf.

lululemon guests across Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Romania will have access to the brand’s full range of products online through lululemon.eu, while guests in India will be able to digitally shop the brand through online marketplaces Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion.

 “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 offer 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 in these regions.”

lululemon flagship store in London. Photo: lululemon

Building Community

lululemon continues to deepen its connection to guests through its ambassador network and local community events, which deliver movement and wellbeing experiences shaped in collaboration with partners around the world. Reflecting the brand’s holistic approach to physical, mental, and social wellbeing, this community-first model will remain central to how the lululemon brand enters new markets in 2026 with its partners.

Photo: lululemon

International Expansion

Market expansion is a key pillar of lululemon’s growth strategy. With a presence in more than 30 markets around the world today, lululemon has an established and growing footprint across North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and China Mainland. These forthcoming market entries mark another important step in lululemon’s international expansion and follow the company’s entry into Italy this summer, as well as recent openings in Denmark, Turkey, and Belgium through its franchise model. Preparations for the new openings will continue into next year, with details on store locations, timelines, and community activations to be shared in 2026.

For the launch press release, please contact our agency at info [a] flowpr.hu

Microhubs May Transform Home Delivery

The number of parcels delivered may increase by up to 25% per year thanks to the rapid expansion of e-commerce. This poses serious challenges for both road traffic and the parking situation in the inner districts. According to DODO, a provider of smart logistics services, in the long term, the creation of delivery distribution points (microhubs) in Budapest could provide a solution that any delivery company may use under certain conditions. This model has already been proven in Prague: based on the experience gained so far, the distribution points contribute to reducing both delivery traffic and parking burdens.

E-commerce has been growing continuously for years, with online orders increasing by 15% last year, while demand for home deliveries is also on the rise. Home delivery is now part of the everyday shopping experience, and fast, punctual delivery has become a core consumer expectation. At the same time, however, the number of road users is also increasing, with the number of vehicles up by 24% over the past ten years, causing increasingly frequent traffic jams and parking difficulties. According to experts at DODO, a technology company specializing in urban logistics and sustainable delivery, the creation of delivery hubs (so-called microhubs), which have already proven effective in several European cities — including Prague — can help address this problem.

Common goals: faster delivery, more liveable cities

Urban delivery points are smaller logistics bases jointly used by delivery companies, from which parcels can be forwarded into the inner districts with environmentally friendly, space-saving vehicles such as electric cargo bikes. These distribution points support parcel delivery while reducing traffic heading into the city centre, and they also make couriers’ work easier. Shorter, optimised routes from these points reduce the need for vehicles, thereby decreasing road traffic and the demand for parking spaces.

“The development of urban logistics is in the common interest of all of us: the goal is to make deliveries fast, punctual and sustainable, while also improving the quality of life in the city. This is exactly why we promote fixed-slot delivery — a model that allows customers to choose the exact day and time of delivery. DODO is looking for solutions that support both the daily work of couriers and the long-term achievement of the city’s transport goals,” said Máté Préda, head of DODO in Hungary.

Préda Máté

A positive European example that can work in Budapest

Several major European cities, such as Prague, Berlin and Madrid, are already successfully operating similar urban distribution points. Experience shows that these infrastructures not only ease traffic, but also contribute to achieving emission-reduction targets.

According to DODO’s experts, the challenges affecting road traffic and parking in the capital can be effectively managed by applying the following solutions:

1. the creation of new urban delivery points in the inner districts;

2. encouraging the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and electric solutions;

3. and the wider adoption of digital route and traffic planning.

The Life-Changing Arctic Adventure

In 2026, Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven will once again launch its legendary Arctic expedition, Fjällräven Polar, designed to prove that with the right knowledge, equipment, and support, anyone can thrive in nature – even under the harsh and extreme conditions north of the Arctic Circle.The 300-kilometre multi-day dog sledding journey crosses the frozen Scandinavian tundra. Adventurous explorers from all over the world – including Hungary – are invited to apply between November 4 and November 24, 2025. From the applicants, 20 participants will be selected to take part in the expedition in the spring of 2026.

An Arctic Escape from Digital Fatigue

In an age dominated by screens, notifications, and constant online presence, more and more people are feeling the effects of digital exhaustion. Fjällräven Polar offers a radical yet uplifting antidote: out on the tundra there’s no signal, no screens, no notifications or apps – just nature, a great team, and, of course, enthusiastic sled dogs.

From March 27 to April 2, 2026, the 20 selected participants will cover the 300-kilometre route across the Scandinavian tundra by dog sled, crossing frozen lakes, snowfields, and pine forests. Participants are responsible for caring for their own sled dogs throughout the journey while learning essential survival techniques and rediscovering the beauty of closeness to nature – even at temperatures as low as –30°C.

Experienced Arctic guides accompany the expedition, providing all the technical support and equipment needed for success. Over the years, participants have faced everything from sunny tundra days to freezing nights and raging snowstorms – yet all completed the challenge and returned home with life-changing memories.

Apply from Anywhere – Including Hungary

Fjällräven Polar 2026 is open to anyone aged 18 or older, from anywhere in the world – Hungary included. This year, the application process has been made simpler than ever: applicants only need to complete one creative challenge, share it on Instagram or TikTok, and fill out an online form on the official expedition website.

Hungarian Adventurers on the Tundra

Over the years, several Hungarian participants have successfully completed Fjällräven Polar and experienced first-hand what it’s like to conquer the Arctic wilderness by dog sled. From the region, Zsolt Kramer, Éva Lengyel, Bence Valentin Kiss, Eszter Szigetvári, István Őry, Kitty Zaja, Dávid Varga, Anna Kitlinska, and most recently Eszter Scheili have all taken part in the expedition, gaining unforgettable memories in the extreme cold – and sometimes surprisingly green – Arctic conditions. Their stories prove that you don’t have to be a professional explorer to experience the icy yet breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic Circle up close.

The Fjällräven Legacy – Functionality and Durability

Since 1960, Fjällräven has been committed to sustainable outdoor living and conscious exploration. The legendary Expedition Down Jacket was created by founder Åke Nordin in 1974 to keep wearers warm even in the most extreme conditions. This jacket – along with other cold-weather gear – is tested year after year by Fjällräven Polar participants in the Arctic’s icy, windy, and dark environment.

Those who complete the expedition return with positive, life-changing experiences – the most authentic feedback possible for the Swedish outdoor brand, confirming the functionality and durability of its products.

Key Dates

• Application opens: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 16:00 CET

• Application deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025

• Results announced: December 9, 2025

• Expedition dates: March 27 – April 2, 2026

All detailed information and technical guidelines will be available once applications open at https://experience.fjallraven.com/articles/fjallraven-polar-2026.