12 more stores as New Look cuts a dash on the Continent

The UK group, which has five outlets in Edinburgh, said it would open at least 12 new stores this year in Belgium and France.

Chief executive Phil Wrigley said the expansion would mark a second phase of trials of the New Look brand outside Britain following the opening of branches in Paris and Bruges.

New Look, which was taken private two years ago in a 700 million deal, is seen as one of the most successful brands on the UK high street. It already operates the 228-strong Mim chain in France, which Mr Wrigley described as a "strong" business.

Some 20 stores are set to be opened under that brand during 2006, but New Look is also to examine how the two chains can work alongside each other.

Mr Wrigley said: "There could be an opportunity to develop along the Inditex [owner of the Zara fashion chain] model, with brands focused on different customers."

He noted that New Look also had strong links with India, where the group sources some of its ranges and had received a "huge number of approaches" from potential franchisees.

The clothing boss added that a potential franchise agreement in the Middle East was likely to be considered this year.

Closer to home, New Look will open 38 converted Littlewoods stores this year and embark on an "aggressive" expansion into out-of-town retail parks. The firm is adding more than 200,000 square feet of retail space this year.

Last year, New Look launched a menswear range in a bid to capture market share from the likes of H&M, Next and Top Shop-owner Arcadia Group. Mr Wrigley said at the time: "We have listened to the customers and responded to their requests for a greater and more diverse offer.

"Our menswear range is the next step in our continuing expansion of the New Look brand."