Founded by Garbrielle `` Coco '' Chanel in 1909 , today the French fashion house is a global brand . China -- with a population of approximately 1.3 billion people -- is a focus for luxury brands due to its expanding middle classes . Luxury good brands are looking to take advantage of an expanding middle class in China . But Chanel has kept its footprint in Shanghai , one of the world 's most populous cities , light . The company opened its first store there in 2007 and now operates more than 100 stores across China.
Founded by Garbrielle `` Coco '' Chanel in 1909 , today the French fashion house is a global brand . Luxury good brands are looking to take advantage of an expanding middle class in China . But Chanel has kept its footprint in Shanghai , one of the world 's most populous cities , light . The company opened its first store there in 2007 and now operates more than 100 stores across China.