Debenhams international expansion powers ahead with raft of new openings

The department store chain opened an 11,300 sq ft store in the capital of Tbilisi. The store, which is arranged over three floors, features brands including Henry Holland, Edition, Jasper, Duffer and Ben de Lisi.

The shop is the 70^th international opening for the retailer and will be swiftly followed by more in the Middle East. On Saturday Debenhams opened its second Abu Dhabi store, a 29,600 sq ft store at the Dalma Mall. On October 20 a third 26,200 sq ft store will open in Riyadh, in Rabwa. Both these latest two stores will be run by Debenhams’ partner Alshaya Retail.

Debenhams said it aims to double the scale of its international business over the next five years with the Middle East playing a significant role in this strategy.

Debenhams international director Francis McAuley, said: “We are delighted to finally open a store in Georgia. There are a growing number of international visitors to the country and an increasing interest in Western clothes designers and homewares that we are hoping to tap into.

“The store is in a great location and we are very pleased that its arrival is being greeted with such keen anticipation. We are confident that the range of products and prices will appeal to our new Georgian customers.”