Franchising News

Marks & Spencer to open 80 stores in India by 2016

Marks & Spencer plans to open a total of 80 franchise stores by 2016.

Marks & Spencer plans to open a total of 80 franchise stores by 2016.

 

UK- based multinational retailer Marks & Spencer, through a partnership with

Reliance Retail, will make India its largest international market by doubling its presence in the country by 2016, the company  said in the middle of November 2013

The retailer said in a press release it plans to open eight units by March next year and a total of 80 stores by 2016.  

The company aims at becoming an international leader in multi-channel retail.

Marks & Spencer recently opened its largest unit in India. The 35,000 sq ft store is located in Bandra, West Mumbai.

The UK company said it has chosen India as a focus of its international expansion since it is the fastest growing retail market in Asia.

Marks & Spencer has opened six stored in India during the fiscal 2012/2013 year, ending March 2013, according to the company’s annual report. The retailer operates in 51 markets across Europe, The Middle East and Asia as of March 2013.

Reliance Retail, part of the Reliance group, also has entered into agreements with two other world-famous international brands – Steve Madden and Quicksilver. The company serves some 2.5 million customers in India each week.