Ossian group opens 150th store

The Ossian Retail Group - owners of clothing and accessories store Internacionale and home furnishings company Au Naturale - is opening its 150th store in the Scottish town of Dingwall this week.

The new Au Naturale store is part of the company's plan to increase its brand awareness, with up to 20 more outlets planned in the next year.

Ossian Group chief executive Norrie Stewart said: 'Au Naturale has unlimited growth opportunities. We intend to expand the concept from its predominantly northern base beyond the Midlands and eventually to the southeast and Greater London. Au Naturale will become a national chain of 200 to 300 shops, and a market leader in great value homewares.'

Retail chains Internacionale and Au Naturale were acquired last month in a management buy-out worth an estimated£45 million.

Stewart added: 'We see massive potential to develop both brands and will continue to meet market demands.'