Debenhams is to open Iran’s first ever department store in the country’s capital, Tehran.

The store, set over three storeys, will be the first of at least three planned by the retailer in the country.

Debenhams international director Francis McAuley said: “It is a really self-sufficient country – they have everything except fashion so there is a real pent-up demand.”

He added: “I’m expecting the Iranian market to be similar to the rest of the Middle East.”

Other fashion retailers including Spanish chain Mango have laid out plans to enter the Iranian market.

Debenhams currently has 40 international franchise stores in 16 countries worldwide.

Topics