Dutch fashion chain WE plans to increase its network of stores to around 300 from 177 at present by expanding strongly in France and Germany. The company told Dutch financial newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad that it will generate more turnover abroad than at home for the first time next year and that this was a good reason to step up its cross-border expansion.
Dutch fashion chain WE plans to increase its network of stores to around 300 from 177 at present by expanding strongly in France and Germany. The company told Dutch financial newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad that it will generate more turnover abroad than at home for the first time next year and that this was a good reason to step up its cross-border expansion.
WE aims to treble the number of stores in Germany to around 100 and to add 50-70 to the 15 shops it currently has in France. In its home market, the company aims to boost its presence from 130 to over 150 stores. In Austria, the first stores are set to open in autumn 2010.
WE's management board chairman Wouter Kolk said European property markets currently offered good opportunities for finding prime locations at attractive prices. The growth will be financed from the company's cashflow, Kolk said.
WE booked total turnover of EUR 350 mln in 2008.
