Abercrombie & Fitch sister brand Hollister is to defy the economic slowdown as it forges ahead with a Continental European roll-out.

The US retailer, which opened its first two UK stores this year at Brent Cross shopping centre in north London and Westfield London, is targeting Italy, Spain, France and Germany with a view to opening four stores in each market next year.

A source at the retailer said it is also searching for a further nine sites in each of the markets to open in 2010. He added that further UK sites are being mooted, adding to the Bluewater, WestQuay Southampton and Meadowhall stores that are already confirmed.

Seattle-based architecture and design firm Callison has been appointed to oversee the expansion. The shops will all follow Hollister’s store format in the UK, which features low levels of lighting, dark leather armchairs and dark wood panelling.

The move will strengthen Abercrombie & Fitch’s European position. The retailer has recently received approval for a flagship on Paris’s Champs-Elys饳, due to open in 2011.

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