M&Co unveils plans for Gulf State franchises

Scottish clothing chain M&Co is making a start on plans to franchise its stores internationally with four new outlets in the Middle East.

The Inchinnan-based retailer, which changed its name from Mackays Stores in 2006, said it would open four franchises at shopping malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi before the year’s end.

It plans to “substantially grow” the business with as many as 50 international franchise stores over the next five years, if market conditions allow.

The family-owned firm has already signed a franchise agreement with Emirates-based business conglomerate Al Nasser Holdings for 30 stores across the Gulf region, including the four planned this year.

Al Nasser’s retail arm, which also operates the La Senza franchise in the Middle East, will open its first M&Co shop in the Dubai Mall in May.

Lee Braid, international franchise manager at M&Co, said: “Given the breadth of retail experience the company has in the region, this is a perfect partnership for the contemporary M&Co brand. We see the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East as a natural market to launch the brand overseas given our family appeal and strong fashion-focused, quality offering.”

He said the foreign stores would be more focused on “premium fashion brands and high quality kids ranges”. The firm is in discussions with other potential franchisees in Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.

DOMINIC JEFF